MEMBER for Schubert Stephan Knoll is calling for a permanent fix to a “degraded” section of Stonewell Road, near Marananga.

Mr Knoll said he has been in contact with Light Regional Council about the problem section, between Seppeltsfield Road and Sir Condor Laucke Way, since January, and has been assured works are planned.

“Continued increases in local, tourism and commercial traffic have contributed to a steady decline in the existing road structure, which in turn has created a number of safety hazards along the nearly 2.5-kilometre northern stretch of Stonewell Road,” he said.

“Recent heavy rainfall has made the road even worse, and local residents have complained to me about the lack of action to improve this road.”

Mr Knoll said council plans to address immediate safety issues and install safety signage to warn road users of hazards, while applying for a grant to help with a more permanent repair.

“We don’t just want a bandaid solution – we need a better, longer-term fix that is going to make this road safer for locals and tourists alike,” he said.

“The road is desperately in need of rehabilitative works to remove the crumbling asphalt and potholes, install better drainage systems, and sealing the shoulder edges and widening the road.

“I understand council has applied for funding to rehabilitate this section of road, and I will be advocating for this work to be undertaken – with or without external funding – sooner rather than later.”