Update on Vera and Wilson Streets Helensburgh

PLANS are underway to repair the significant road damage at Vera and Wilson streets, Helensburgh, caused by the April natural storm disaster.

The roads are currently closed with sections of the road surface washed away, and the adjoining embankments eroded.

Wollongong City Council have installed fencing around the damaged road surface and put in place temporary traffic arrangements to ensure safety.

The site has been inspected by Council’s geotechnical, assets and engineering teams on a number of occasions to analyse and monitor the extent of the damage and develop both short and longer-term options to repair the roads.

A Council spokesperson said the works are complicated by the fact the storm has exposed Sydney Water pressurised sewer water main. Council have been coordinating with Sydney Water sharing survey and geotechnical information to support with a design to secure the main.

The intention is that that the works completed by Sydney Water will also complement the urgent road and embankment repairs Council needs to undertake. Once Sydney Water has completed their works, Council will take over the site to repair the road and allow some vehicular traffic.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said that Council is taking a phased approach to repairing Vera Street due to its complicated condition.

“The damage presents many challenges and there’s not a clear and immediate solution in terms of fast-tracked repairs,” Cr Bradbery said.

“We’re working with key agencies, including Sydney Water, to discuss the best approach to the repair works in both now and in the immediate future. Anything we do must be well engineered for safety and to withstand any future weather events, which could come at any time.

“We recognise Vera Street provides access to the Helensburgh Railway Train Station car park and its closure has an impact on commuters and residents. We’re focussed on works that will allow us to reopen one lane for safe access as soon as possible while also developing a scope to manage the damaged embankment and stabilise that area so we can repair the road itself.

“This will take some time and we appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work through a complex project. As we move through the planning stages, repair works and any changes to access and traffic, we’ll be keeping our community informed.”

Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said the damage to Helensburgh is an example of some of the longer-term impacts the natural disaster has had on the city.

“While we’ve moved through the clean-up phase as quickly as possible, there are other issues that are a result of this significant rain event that will take longer to resolve,” he said.

“For those that use Helensburgh Railway Train Station, it’s a very real concern. I assure those residents, Council is working to ensure people can, once again, easily access the train station. We’re doing this as we also looking at how we can repair this site longer-term so it’s more resilient in the future.”

Residents are encouraged to follow on-site signage and to be mindful there may be changes to parking and street access in the area. These will be marked out with temporary signage.

Council is also looking at alternative kiss and drop and parking locations to facilitate easier access to the station. In the meantime, it’s recommended to access the train station via Wilsons Creek Road.

To stay updated on the project, visit the Vera and Wilson Streets Helensburgh webpage.

Essential information

• There is currently no vehicle access to Vera Street and Helensburgh Railway Train Station Car Park.
• Pedestrian access is available.
• People are advised to access the train station via Wilsons Creek Road.

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