An intensive work program has repaired more than $13.5 million of landslip damage on Lawrence Hargrave Drive and Bulli Pass this year, with work wrapping up this week.
Landslip repairs took place at nine separate sites on the two critical south coast roads, as part of ongoing natural disaster recovery effort jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Transport for NSW targeted five sites on Lawrence Hargrave Drive, including at Scarborough, Stanwell Park, Sea Cliff Bridge, and the M1 southbound off ramp at Helensburgh.
Work included a 12-week program to restore the road and footpath at Scarborough where a section of slope failed near the top of an 82-metre cliff. Work crews used a lightweight material as part of the new road base to reduce pressure on the slope.
Another six-month program on Bulli Pass repaired three landslip sites between the top of the pass and the hairpin bend, with crews operating from work platforms and ropes suspended 10 metres above the ground.
Repairs at a fourth site about one kilometre below the hairpin bend was completed this week.
Almost $30 million worth of landslip repairs have been completed on state roads in southern NSW this year, with Transport for NSW crews and specialist contractors carrying out more than 130,000 work hours across southern NSW.
The landslip damage was caused by a series of natural disaster events that brought record-breaking rainfall – up to six times the average rainfall totals, in some cases.
Transport will continue its focus on repairing damage caused by natural disaster events, with more work in planning stages and some sites due to start early in the new year.
Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes said:
“Over the past two years the Illawarra faced several severe weather events and record-breaking rainfall – up to six times the average.
“This caused havoc on our local roads and infrastructure, but the Minns and Albanese Labor Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements saw emergency funding flow to where it was needed to get things back on track.
“Landslip repairs at nine separate sites, on two of our busiest roads over twelve weeks was not an easy task, but absolutely necessary for our residents safety and our regions connectivity.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:
“We understand natural disasters have had a significant impact on travel through these important mountain roads in our state’s transport network and we thank the communities impacted for their patience while these essential repairs were carried out.
“These projects take time, and crews have made significant progress to work through each area and restore the roads to their pre-disaster conditions.”
Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:
“Intense rainfall has had a devastating impact on these two roads and locals have been waiting along time for these repairs to be completed.
“These are complex sites with challenging working conditions, so I congratulate the crews who have dedicated thousands of hours to these repairs, improving safety for all motorists who drive through this beautiful part of NSW.
“Thank you to the residents for their patience whilst all this essential infrastructure has been completed.”