Hot weather has caused roads in Bendigo to “bleed” as the bitumen softens.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Residents in Marong and City of Greater Bendigo workers were particularly concerned about the intersection at Allies and Hermitage roads at the weekend.
The road was so soft, indents could be left in it when touched by hand.
City of Greater Bendigo’s manager of works Adrian Gasperoni said it was not an uncommon problem but that it was hard to control.
“I wouldn't say we have a lot of (heat-related issues) like this but it does happen every now and then,” he said.
“That particular intersection is one we are aware of. We had the contractor go out and re-grit it with more stone but it is still volatile.
“We believed the treatment was working quite well.”
Mr Gasperoni the Allies and Hermitage roads intersection would have more work done on it.
“We will get in touch with the contractors again and get them to go back and add grit,” he said. “We will certainly be keeping an eye on it. It’s possible it will continue to bleed a bit longer and hopefully only this summer.”
VicRoads acting manager of operations Jeff Blackie said road bleeding is more likely to occur on recently sealed roads and is unavoidable in extreme heat.
“This time of year presents a challenge as extreme hot weather can result in slight “bleeding” of the road surfaces, which is when the bituminous layer rises above the stones,” he said.
Most bleeds are on intersections because wheels turning on it disrupt the surface.
- Adrian Gasperoni
“This is due to the softening of the bitumen that can occur when it is subjected to extreme conditions.
“This, combined with higher than usual traffic volumes, can affect the road surface.”
Mr Gasperoni said road workers took into account the local environment and the volume of traffic when re-sealing roads.
“Most bleeds are on intersections because wheels turning on it disrupt the surface,” he said.
“At Allies and Hemitage roads there is a lot of heavy vehicles going through there.
“If people see any more issues they should report it to council. If drivers know area has an issue then avoid it. If you can’t go as slow as possible through it.”
Senior Sergeant Ian Brooks said motorists could expect roads might get soft during hot days, and ought to drive to the conditions.
"The roads will be different depending on the road circumstances."
He said what was a perfectly normal trip to the shops one day could be something that required a motorist to drive differently the following day due to the conditions.
"Its about driving to the conditions, it's about being aware of where you are and what you're doing. When you turn the key, turn your mind to driving. When you turn it off, then you can relax."