Waterfall Way has reopened between Bellingen and Dorrigo after temporary repairs to the Gordonville slip site were completed more than a week ahead of schedule.
The temporary fix consists of a gravel filled shipping container wall, two containers high and eight containers long, attached to the rockface using nine high-strength steel anchors drilled deep into the rockface.
Bellingen Shire Council General Manager, Mark Griffioen, emphasised the temporary nature of the repairs, the importance of safety, and the potential for the road to be closed at short notice if conditions change.
“Council staff have been working closely with Transport for NSW teams and contractors during the site investigation process, site clearing, and installation of the shipping container wall,” said Mr Griffioen.
“Traffic management will be installed to allow one lane of traffic through at a time, with a speed limit of 40km/h and a three-metre width limit.
“In addition, there will be a turnaround point on the Bellingen side of the slip if the road does need to be closed at short notice, and sensors and cameras installed to monitor the wall and any new rockfalls.”
The vital access route between Bellingen and Dorrigo has been closed since 19 January, causing significant impacts to residents, businesses and organisations in the Bellingen Shire.
Mayor, Steve Allan said the importance of this essential road cannot be overstated.
“This was a huge team effort, and I want to thank everyone involved in getting the road reopened safely, as well as our community for their patience during a very challenging period,” said Mayor Allan.
“While this temporary opening will be a great relief to the people who rely on Waterfall Way, this is the first step in a lengthy process.
“Transport for NSW and the Minns Government have committed to carrying out a detailed corridor assessment, identifying short-term solutions, as well as options for increasing the long-term resilience of Waterfall Way.
“Meanwhile, our advocacy will continue to ensure that the people of the Bellingen Shire have an east to west access route they can rely on.”
For more information: Waterfall Way Gordonville cutting landslip | Transport for NSW.
