The Kingborough Council is facing major delays in their project to build a new underpass under Summerleas Road, with key work only just starting almost 100 days after the road was closed.
Work on the Kingston underpass began in early June and was initially meant to be completed within 10 weeks.
A Kingborough Council spokesperson said the delay was caused by the relocation of non-council infrastructure.
On what could have been the completion date in August, a council spokesperson said the delays, plus weather issues, were “outside our control”.
In early September, Mayor Paula Wriedt said TasWater was on-site carrying out pressure testing on water pipes, while TasNetworks were still to remove a power pole.
“So far on the project, excavation work has been up to both sides of Summerleas Road in preparation for the installation of the underpass culverts,” she said.
“However, we’ve had to pause further excavation directly under the road while we work with service providers to move existing infrastructure out of the way.”
A council spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that the removals have now all taken place.
“Council has been working with the contractor to evaluate and expedite the construction program since the completion of these works,” they said.
“Next week will see further excavation to prepare for the installation of the box culverts that will form the underpass.”
The council says once this excavation is complete, they will be able to provide an updated project timeline.
Until then, traffic and impacted bus services will continue to detour along Whitewater Crescent.
This project is funded by a $750,000 Greater Hobart City Deal grant and $1 million in council funds.
