CONSTRUCTION works to replace the causeway on Otford Road will start in early August, six months after it was damaged beyond repair in a major weather event.

The replacement causeway has been designed to current, contemporary standards and, Wollongong City Council’s general manager, Greg Doyle said will be able to withstand major storm events.

The causeway, he says, has improved features, including debris deflectors to prevent blockages during times of significant rainfall, better line marking and additional warning signage.

“We all remember the images of the original causeway with its huge slabs of concrete lifted out of place and moved along the Hacking River and the broken culverts after that February rain event,” Mr Doyle said.

 “It was visually very dramatic – but for the locals it was also a major concern as this was an important access road. I am very proud of the team for all their hard work behind the scenes to see us work through the design, consultation and the start of construction in just a six-month timeframe.

“We recognise that the local community want this road repaired and reopened as soon as possible and I am sure that the completion of this work by the end of the year will be a great comfort to residents of Otford and Helensburgh.”

The construction works to replace the causeway are anticipated to start in early August and are expected to take about four months to complete, dependent on weather.

The temporary pedestrian access way, put in place by Council after the original causeway was damaged, will be closed off to residents as it will be within the construction worksite.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said Council has sought to keep residents updated throughout this project and put in the temporary access way to allow people to walk across the damaged causeway.

“The final design includes improved line marking and better signage thanks to feedback from those who drive this area regularly and know the challenges of Otford Road,” he said.

“We appreciate the understanding of local residents as we’ve worked to get the causeway replacement completed as quickly as possible.”

During the design and plan phase, Council has worked with key stakeholders like Transport for NSW, NSW Fisheries and the NSW Rural Fire Services and, kept local emergency services updated on the works plan, and the timeframe for completion.

See Council’s dedicated Otford Causeway webpage for further updates.

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