Jul 25, 2022

Repairs continue on Sydney roads hit hard by big wet

Severe flooding and heavy rainfalls in Sydney this year have caused havoc across the city’s road network, with three of Sydney’s state roads either closed or facing reclosure for repairs after being hit hard by the deluges.

Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said Wisemans Ferry Road in Sydney’s north-west, and Garie Road in the Royal National Park will remain closed as crews continue to assess and repair the damage, while Galston Road is set for another closure for pre-planned slope stabilisation work.

“Our roadwork crews have been working around the clock to keep our roads safe and reconnect communities following the recent, successive extreme weather events,” Mr Collins said.

“Unfortunately, some areas of Sydney bore the brunt of the unprecedented downpours, and these road closures are required for the safety of motorists and workers.

“There will be a full reclosure of Galston Road between Hornsby Heights and Galston from 8 August 2022 for up to two months, so workers can complete important stabilisation work on an existing retaining wall at the bottom of the gorge. This work will significantly reduce the chances of future road closures.

“Garie Road, within the Royal National Park in Sydney’s south, remains closed due to heavy and constant rain that caused a section of the road to collapse in March. The total stretch of damaged road is more than 100 metres in length. In consultation with the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), Transport for NSW is analysing a number of options regarding the rectification of Garie Road.

“At Cattai, Wisemans Ferry Road between Halcrows Road and O’Briens Road remains closed due to recent flooding that caused significant damage to the section of road over Little Cattai Creek. Approximately 300 metres of road will require extensive repairs, and detours will remain in place until the road can be reopened.”

Mr Collins said further wet weather could impact completion of remediation works at the three locations.

“Some essential activities, such as the laying of new road surface, cannot be carried out during wet weather conditions,” he said.

“We hope to get some dry weather soon to push forward with these works. We thank each local community for their patience while this important work is carried out. Transport for NSW understands the inconvenience these closures cause to motorists, but they are necessary for the safety of road workers and motorists.”

Mr Collins added Transport for NSW continues to prioritise pothole repairs as a result of the latest flooding and heavy rainfall events. 

“Since the first wave of severe flooding in February-March to the end of June 2022, around 65,000 potholes have been repaired across the state-managed road network, with just under 13,000 of those on Greater Sydney’s state roads,” Mr Collins said.

Motorists are reminded to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic controllers when required.

For the latest traffic updates, call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW App.