The NSW Government has announced it will restore controlled one-lane access to Waterfall Way within six weeks, following an extensive engineering assessment of the Gordonville Cutting landslip.
More than 250 tonnes of rock and debris have fallen at the site since the initial failure in mid-January, with a 26-metre-high slope continuing to shift in the days that followed. The scale and ongoing movement made the site unsafe and required complex geotechnical investigation, 24-hour monitoring and specialist stabilisation work before any reopening could be considered, the Government said in a statement.
“After weeks of expert assessment by specialist engineers from Transport for NSW, working alongside local council crews, protective shipping container barriers will be installed to shield motorists from potential rockfalls,” it stated.
“Independent geotechnical advice confirms the road can operate under strict controls while permanent remediation is designed.”
Under the interim traffic arrangement:
- One lane will reopen on the northern side of the road;
- Temporary traffic lights will manage alternating traffic flow;
- A 40 km/h speed limit will apply;
- Vehicles wider than three metres will not be permitted.
The Government said the site remains active and will operate under strict monitoring. The road may close without notice in response to rainfall or further slope movement. These precautions are based on expert risk assessment and are necessary to protect motorists and crews, it stated.
“North Coast communities, and none more so than Bellingen and Dorrigo locals, know just how serious this landslip was. When you see more than 250 tonnes of rock come down, you understand why this road could not simply reopen overnight,” said Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin.
“This closure has affected school runs, freight deliveries, farm operations and small businesses. People have felt it every single day.
“That’s why restoring access safely matters – but doing it properly matters even more.
“We are rebuilding this connection carefully and responsibly, and we are planning beyond this event so our region is better protected when the next severe weather system hits.
“This is about resilience, reliability and making sure communities between Bellingen and Dorrigo aren’t left exposed.”
Engineers will continue planning the permanent stabilisation design and risk mitigation work at the Gordonville Cutting site, with options being considered similar to those proposed for Myers Bluff.
The Government said it will continue to progress a full corridor assessment of Waterfall Way and surrounding routes to identify alternative access improvements and long-term resilience measures.
“This wasn’t a minor slip; it was a significant geotechnical failure – more than 250 tonnes of material came down and the slope continued moving,” said NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison.
“Safety had to come first. We could not reopen this road until expert engineers were satisfied it could operate safely under controlled conditions.
“I appreciate how disruptive this closure has been for families, farmers, freight operators and local businesses. Having owned a small business myself, no one underestimates the impact.
“But reopening prematurely would have put motorists and workers at risk – and that was and never will be an option.
“We’ve worked closely with Bellingen Shire Council on this solution which will restore access in a controlled way while permanent stabilisation works are properly designed and delivered.
“I also want to thank everyone who has worked with us constructively throughout this process – including residents, community and industry groups like NSW Farmers.
“We are not just responding to an emergency. We are making sure this corridor is stronger and more resilient for the long term.
“I will keep the community updated on the status of our review of Mid-North Coast roads – nothing is off the table.”
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Steve Allan welcomed the confirmation that works are commencing to enable the reopening of Waterfall Way.
“Our community has been asking for a clear timeframe for the road to reopen, and we understand it has been a long four weeks for the people who rely on Waterfall Way in their everyday lives,” he said.
“Safety has to be our first priority, and I appreciate the care that specialist engineers and geotechnical experts have taken in assessing the slip and developing both temporary and permanent solutions under these exceptional circumstances.
“It is likely to be months before a full solution is implemented. I am very aware of the struggles of residents, businesses and support organisations who depend on this road to do their jobs and feed their families.
“We want to assure people that we are working to ensure alternate routes including Summervilles Road are fit for purpose, and that people across the region know the Bellingen Shire is open for business and operating as usual.
“Meanwhile, we will continue to advocate strongly for permanent, fully funded and implemented solutions for this vital connecting road.”
Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp said the Government’s willingness to implement a more permanent solution to the repeated land slips would be supported by the community.
“I look forward to working with Transport to ensure the longer-term fix is put in place as our community cannot continue to be cut off,” he said.
