Halfway Road overhaul
• Victor Hall has put forward a proposal to significantly widen and upgrade Halfway Road at Waterhouse to Council.
March 29, 2023
By Taylor Clyne
Halfway road at Waterhouse has long been the centre of safety concerns since it was built in 1964, originally intended as an old machinery access road.
Since then, the road has considerably increased its traffic with roughly five large properties using it for access and close to $3 million worth of produce coming out of the area in the next few months alone.
A proposal to significantly upgrade the road at cost price has been put forward by one of the landowners and experienced heavy machinery operator Victor Hall.
“I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to approach Council regarding this road and I’m currently in the area with all of my gear building a dam.
“I have a vested interest in making this road safe which is why I’ve quoted them at cost including providing the gravel.
“My grandkids drive on this road, and I myself have nearly had a head on crash with a lime truck where I thought it was the end of me,” he said.
Aside from Mr Hall’s near miss there have been three other major head on crashes over the years due to the narrow road, low visibility and three steep banks where vehicles meet.
“With the increased productivity from farms down this way there are potatoes being harvested and large trucks coming steadily all the time.
“Including trucks for cattle, fertiliser and our vineyard.
“Down the track there are plans for a cellar door which would mean more users on the road.”
Mr Hall said he proposed to widen the road, cut down the 6-7 metre deep hill platforms and provide all the gravel for around $8,000.
“To properly quote it the cost would be in excess of $50,000. My three scrapers, dozer and large excavator could get in done in a couple of days and do it well.”
The expectation from Council would be to provide vehicle management and a road grader to finish off the job.
“There is a timeline as I’m due to go to another job next so while I’ve got all the machinery here it makes sense; I’m booked out for two years so it’s not something I can just slip back and fit in,” he said.
General Manager John Marik personally inspected the road on Tuesday and agrees it is a safety concern.
“I have received a lot of negative feedback around the safety of Halfway Road at Waterhouse.
“After viewing the entire section on Tuesday, I agree the works are an absolute necessity before the heavy vehicles start carting this year’s potato harvest.
“Council’s capital budget has a $50,000 discretionary fund which can be utilised to fund emergencies and other pressing needs of the community, I will be allocating this project to this fund.
“I’d like to thank Mr Hall on behalf of Council for this proposal and his contribution to improve the safety of this road.
“I’m sure the community will be appreciative also,” he concluded.