THE new replacement causeway over the Hacking River at Otford will be of a similar design as the former structure, with Wollongong City Council hoping to have the project completed before the start of summer.
The flooding of Otford Causeway on February 9 caused such significant damage, that Council were forced to close and demolish what was left of the crossing.
On Monday May 29, Council voted not to invite formal tenders but to instead allow for a targeted procurement process. This process allows for a request for quotations from contractors to undertake the repair works.
Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Works, Joanne Page said by taking this step, the work can be fast-tracked allowing the replacement of the broken causeway ahead of the start of summer.
“We know the community of Otford and surrounds are very concerned about accessibility with the unfortunate closure of this important road link,’’ Ms Page said.
“The flooding caused significant damage to the existing causeway structure and adjacent roadway. There was not really any option but to demolish and remove the remaining pieces of the culvert and roadway and replace it.
“Our teams have been working hard to come up with a plan that will allow this work to happen in a timely way. By moving forward with a targeted procurement process we’re able to go out and directly engage with contractors who are able to carry out this work in a timely manner. It’s the same process that we undertook last year that allowed for repair works on Harry Graham Drive, which was also damaged in a weather event.’’
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said he expected the community would be heartened to hear that Council was working to reopen the road as soon as possible.
“We know there are concerns in the community because this is an area that is at greater risk during the bushfire season,’’ he said.
“I can assure this community we’re doing everything we can to get the road reopened. For example, while pre-cast materials are often the preferred method for work like this, there is a significant lead time on these items at the moment. So, the team are focussed on alternative methods to construct the causeway and ultimately reduce the time this road is closed to traffic.
“The design should be finalised shortly and is a like-for-like replacement with the previous causeway. There are some small tweaks that will improve road safety, reduce the blockage of the culverts during times of heavy rain, and allow for the movement of fish which are important to the biodiversity of the Hacking River.’’
Read the full report considered by Council.
As the plans for the works are finalised, Council will be in contact with local residents to notify them of the works schedule.
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