A MAJOR $1.6 million road project in Berri is running about eight weeks behind schedule due to problems with a utility provider in the area.
Berri Barmera Council commenced the Jury Road upgrade – part-funded by the Federal Government – in September 2020, but shortly after work began the utility provider raised concerns about the plan to use vibratory compaction on the road and the possible damage this could cause to infrastructure.
The provider informed council all repair costs and civil liability coming from any damage would be at the expense of council or the contractor.
In a report to this month’s Strategy, Assets and Major Projects meeting, infrastructure project and technical officer Kim Seekamp said onsite works were stopped to allow for further discussions with engineers, contractors and lawyers, with an alternative compaction method now in use.
“The alternate wheeled roller that has been used for sub-base compaction requires more than double the amount of passes and can only compact thinner layers than a traditional vibratory roller,” she said.
“This, coupled with the delays experienced with the shutdown and the following three-day COVID-19 shutdown, has compounded to put the project approximately eight weeks behind schedule.
“These changes have come at additional cost to the project, however, costs remain within the budgeted amount.
“It must be stated that these delays have not been caused by the contractor or council as the utility provider failed to respond to the initial plans provided and did not raise their concerns until after construction had commenced on this project.
“If they had advised council prior, then mitigations around the risks could have been investigated to ensure that the project commenced with all parties being aware and on board with an appropriate timeframe for works initially set.
Ms Seekamp said the project was otherwise continuing to “progress smoothly, with minimal disruptions”.
“The contractors are progressing through the works and it is great to see the road starting to shape up,” she said. “The final product will be a wider, smoother and safer road for heavy vehicles and residential commuters.”
Council initially planned for the project to be completed “early in the new year”.