$30m for upgrade of critical Bellingen roads

A $30 MILLION NSW Government investment will deliver long-awaited upgrades to Summervilles and Gordonville roads in the Bellingen Shire.

These roads serve as alternate routes when Waterfall Way is closed between Bellingen and Dorrigo, as was the case when Waterfall Way was closed for nine weeks earlier this year.

Transport for NSW will work alongside Bellingen Shire Council to deliver a range of improvements, including road widening and resurfacing, upgraded drainage, and clearer line marking and roadside barriers.

A Road Safety Audit has identified additional safety improvements needed, which will be built into the program of work.

“Following the temporary closure of Waterfall Way earlier this year, Summervilles and Gordonville roads were used as the detour route,” Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said.

“This $30 million investment will strengthen these routes, improve safety, and ensure they can better handle increased traffic when it matters most.

“This is about responding to more than one event, and instead ensuring the region is better prepared for future weather impacts and unexpected closures.”

Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan said the funding was “incredibly welcome” after a challenging period for the region.

“Council heard directly from the community through the Community Impact Survey about the significant and far-reaching impacts the nine-week closure had on people’s daily lives, local businesses and community connections,” he said.

“The funding is a vital investment in the resilience of our local road network.

“These upgrades will help strengthen key transport routes, improve reliability, and provide our communities with greater confidence in the alternative east–west access routes they rely on during Waterfall Way closures, while long-term solutions for the corridor continue to be pursued.”

Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said the upgrades will “improve the safety and reliability of the routes which are part of daily life for families, freight operators and local businesses”.

The $30 million investment will build on $4.9 million announced in March for the replacement of two timber bridges with reinforced concrete structures and the sealing of a three-kilometre section of Summervilles Road.

Of this figure, $3.8 million is coming from the Australian Government and $1.1 million from co-contributions by Council.

Council has stated it is now awaiting the outcome of a further $4.7 million application under the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, which would complete the estimated $40 million funding package required to fully upgrade Summervilles Road.

Waterfall Way reopened to traffic on Saturday 21 March under one-lane conditions, easing pressure on the temporary detour and allowing the return of trucks up to three metres wide.

Temporary barriers remain in place at the Gordonville cutting to protect motorists from potential rockfalls while long-term planning continues.

Transport for NSW has warned the road may still close at short notice during periods of heavy rain.