When will relief arrive for motorists travelling along the troublesome stretch of Katamatite-Nathalia Rd?
There are currently no answers, but there may be some soon.
Community leaders, including state Member for Northern Victoria Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, are demanding action from the Victorian Government.
Mrs Tyrrell recently called on Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne in state parliament to clarify why repairs had been stalled for over a year.
She pointed to the section of road just east of Numurkah Cemetery, where work has yet to commence.
“Motorists on this section of the Katamatite-Nathalia Rd have been inconvenienced by traffic lights that have closed one lane for over 12 months because of what is believed to be a broken pipe under the westbound lane of the road,” Mrs Tyrrell said.
The ongoing delay has led to significant road damage, creating a knee-deep pothole in the middle of the road.
“The delay in fixing the problem has meant that the road has now deteriorated to the point that it is collapsing,” Mrs Tyrrell said.
As traffic increases, the remaining open lane is also suffering.
Mrs Tyrrell said the surface of the eastbound lane was sinking and cracking, which posed a critical safety issue for the numerous cars, heavy vehicles and agricultural machinery that used the thoroughfare daily.
“It seems like the government has somehow forgotten about these repairs,” she said.
“That is why I have asked the minister to provide a date when the road will be fixed once and for all.”
Ms Horne has 14 days from Thursday, November 14, to respond to Mrs Tyrrell’s question.