The NSW Government has confirmed major remediation work on the Gordonville Cutting landslip on Waterfall Way will begin in early August, delivering a long-term solution for the critical regional road.
Following the major landslip that forced the closure of Waterfall Way in January, the works are set to stabilise the slope, allowing for the removal of the temporary gravel-filled shipping containers installed earlier this year to protect motorists from potential rockfalls.
The project will include vegetation removal, earthworks and drainage upgrades, with the remediation designed to work with the site’s underlying geological conditions to deliver a lasting solution for slope stability and help reduce the risk of future disruptions.
“The start of this work will be very welcome news for the Bellingen community and everyone who relies on this important route, particularly our freight operators,” said Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison.
“After the major landslip earlier this year, our priority has been keeping people safe while working towards a long-term solution. This project will stabilise the slope, reduce the risk of future rockfalls and make this critical regional road more resilient.
“This project builds on the Minns Labor Government’s $30 million investment to upgrade Summervilles and Gordonville roads, which served as key detour routes during the closure of Waterfall Way.
“Communities deserve confidence that when severe weather strikes, their roads are built to recover faster and stay open wherever it is safe to do so. That’s exactly what this investment is designed to deliver.”
Construction is expected to take approximately six to eight months and will generally be carried out on weekdays, although some activities may also occur at night or on weekends depending on operational requirements and site conditions.
Transport for NSW will work closely with Bellingen Shire Council and contractors to minimise impacts on motorists wherever possible. However, there will be periods when Waterfall Way will need to close to safely complete the work, with motorists directed to use Summervilles Road as a detour.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Steve Allan said the closure of Waterfall Way affected almost every part of life in the community.
“Families, businesses, freight operators, students and workers all felt the impacts, and many people have shown incredible patience and resilience over the past six months,” he said.
“Seeing these long-term remediation works begin is an important milestone for the Shire. It gives our community confidence that we are moving beyond temporary measures towards a safer, more reliable connection for everyone who relies on Waterfall Way.
“I’d like to thank our community for the way they have supported one another throughout this challenging period, and Transport for NSW for continuing to work with Council as we restore this vital regional link.”
The Gordonville Cutting remediation forms part of the Government’s broader commitment to improving the safety, reliability and resilience of the Waterfall Way corridor, including a $30 million investment to upgrade Summervilles and Gordonville roads with road widening, resurfacing, drainage improvements and roadside safety barriers.
Additional flood resilience, slope stabilisation and safety upgrades are also being planned and delivered along Waterfall Way, including works at Burdett Park, Camerons Corner, Crystal Falls, Maynard Plains, Woodchip Corner and Myers Bluff.
