800 Ivanhoe locals call for pothole-ridden road to remain unsealed

Driving along the state’s roads, it is obvious one of the key issues facing drivers is the number and severity of potholes. 

However, a group of people who use The Boulevard in Ivanhoe East is calling for the local council to leave the pothole-filled road alone.

Sorry, did you say you want to keep your potholes?

The group has formed Help Save the Boulevard and launched a petition, which has more than 800 signatures.

“It is loved for its rural character, its vistas, its wildlife including its mob of kangaroos and its vegetation,” the petition says. “The existing road is a key part of this character. We believe it should not be replaced by a modern road which favours cars and destroys that character.”

Locals feared that sealing the road would encourage more rat-running and increase the overall volume of traffic.

What is council planning?

Banyule Council has released plans to resurface 2.8km of The Boulevard between Banksia Street in Heidelberg and Burke Road North in Ivanhoe East.

A survey is open until Tuesday April 22 calling for input from the public.

On the council’s website some anonymous comments have backed the decision to resurface.

Speed controls will improve safety

“The current condition of the road is high risk to all pedestrians, drivers and cyclists, posing a safety hazard,” one comment read. “We want progress and this project will be instrumental in creating a more improved environment for everyone.”

Another comment described the proposed works as “considered and pragmatic”.

“The traffic control will clearly avoid any rat-running and speed controls will greatly improve the access, while also increasing the safety of all.”