Work will start next month on major repairs needed to restore full access to all traffic on Moss Vale Road at Cambewarra Mountain.
Specialist contractors The Rix Group and Retaining Specialists have been appointed to complete repairs to landslip damage caused by record-breaking rainfall in 2022, and work is expected to start on Tuesday 2 April 2024, weather permitting.
The Albanese and Minns Governments are funding this $5 million project through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The terrain and landslip damage posed unique challenges and risks during the planning process, which Transport for NSW will continue to navigate as work is carried out.
For the safety of motorists and workers, the road will be closed to traffic while work is carried out at night between 7pm and 5am Sunday to Thursday, when traffic volumes are lower.
To maintain traffic access for those who need to use the road, work will be briefly suspended for five-minute periods at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, 12am, 2am and 4am.
Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
Detours for light vehicles will be via Kangaroo Valley Road. Motorists should allow 25 minutes additional travel time. Vehicles longer than 7.5m or heavier than 12t GVM can detour via the Illawarra Highway and Princes Highway, adding 90 minutes travel time.
Transport for NSW is managing a total of 50 landslip damage sites on Moss Vale Road at both Barrengarry and Cambewarra mountains as part of its Natural Disaster Recovery Repair Program.
The landslip damage was caused by record-breaking rainfall in 2022, which saw four times the average monthly rainfall in March and more than six times the July average.
Since the initial damage occurred, Transport for NSW has managed more than 150,000 work hours across Moss Vale Road and completed repairs at 24 of the 50 landslip sites.
Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips said:
“I’m thrilled that major road works are finally set to start to restore full access on Moss Vale Road at Cambewarra Mountain.
“I know this will come as a huge relief to locals living on Cambewarra Mountain, in Kangaroo Valley, nearby villages and our wider region.
“The landslip damage from record rainfall has proved extremely difficult for all concerned. I’m pleased the Albanese Government, together with the Minns Government are funding these crucial disaster repairs through our Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“The NSW Government is committed to helping communities build back better after natural disasters which caused widespread damage to huge parts of the state’s road network.
“I am delighted to see this long-awaited work will soon be carried out on Moss Vale Road and I thank the community for its patience and understanding of the need to put safety first while repair works were organised.”
NSW Government Duty MLC for Kiama Dr Sarah Kaine said:
“These repairs are challenging, however Transport for NSW has developed a work program that balances the needs of the local community with getting the job done as quickly as possible.
“We want to thank motorists, especially those who live and work at Kangaroo Valley, for their ongoing patience during this important repair work.”
Find out more about the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement