Asparagus route upgrade

THE replacement of four timber bridges with concrete ones on Manks Road, Dalmore, is tipped to boost the region’s asparagus industry.
The $6.6 million project will be undertaken to increase load capacity and improve access for commercial vehicles in the asparagus industry, which use the route.
The upgrade will cover a total length of 500 metres and span Cardinia Creek, Cardinia Creek Catch Drain, Deep Creek and Deep Creek Catch Drain.
Eastern Victorian Region MP Johan Scheffer said the project would be welcomed by asparagus growers in the area.
“The removal of the current load limit will be good news for the surrounding local primary industry, especially asparagus producers who cater for about 95 per cent of the Australian domestic and export market,” he said.
“The peak season for asparagus farming runs from September to December and Manks Road is a main road transport link for the industry so we must ensure that it meets current road standards.”
The road carries more than 1100 vehicles a day and is expected to increase in the near future, Mr Scheffer said.
Work is expected to start early next year and be completed by August 2010, in time for the peak asparagus season.
Manks Road will be closed to through traffic during the upgrade and signed detours will be in place.