The City of Greater Bendigo is working to grade more than 1600km of road in the region but a lack of rain combined with hot weather is severely impacting on the quality of council’s unsealed roads grading maintenance program.

City of Greater Bendigo works manager Adrian Gasperoni said council the lack of rain means the program is not up to its usual standard.

“The ongoing dry weather makes grading far less effective and the job doesn’t last as long as it should,” Mr Gasperoni said.

“Because of a lack of rain over the summer (there is) minimal moisture below the surface of the road.

“We usually expect our grading jobs to last for more than three months but because there is no moisture in the ground, the job is only lasting about six weeks.”

Mr Gasperoni said five graders worked full time at this time of year to grade the roads.

“At present we need to cart water further distances and use more of it and this is slowing our grading crews down,” he said. “Furthermore, with the hot weather, the water is evaporating almost as quickly as we apply it.

“Even when the rain finally does arrive it could take some time to catch up with the road grading program.

“I urge residents to drive carefully on our gravel roads and be patient.”