Vital link reopens between Bellingen and Dorrigo

AFTER being closed for two months, Waterfall Way was opened to traffic on Sunday – restoring a vital link for the North Coast.

The major access route between Bellingen and Dorrigo has been closed since 19 January due a landslip, causing significant impacts to residents, businesses and organisations in the Bellingen Shire.

Temporary repairs to the Gordonville slip site were completed last week.

One lane is now operational on the northern side of the road under temporary traffic signals, with vehicles travelling through the slip site one direction at a time at a reduced speed of 40 km/h.

The temporary fix consists of a gravel-filled shipping container wall – two containers high and eight long – attached using nine high-strength steel anchors drilled deep into the rockface.

“Our final readiness works, installation of site controls and safety checks to allow us to reopen Waterfall Way have gone better than planned and we’ve been able to open the road today,” Transport for NSW Executive Director Partnerships and Integration North Greg Collins said.

Bellingen Shire Council General Manager Mark Griffioen said Council staff have been “working closely” with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) teams and contractors during the site investigation process, site clearing, and installation of the shipping container wall.

A statement from Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison noted that continued access will depend on the ongoing stability of the slope.

The road may need to close at short notice in response to rainfall, rockfall or changing ground conditions.

In any event, light vehicles will be diverted back onto the alternate route via Summervilles Road.

Ms Aitchison said the NSW Government will “keep working to strengthen this corridor and improve its resilience for the long term”.

Bellingen Mayor Steve Allan said the importance of the road cannot be overstated.

“While this temporary opening will be a great relief to the people who rely on Waterfall Way, this is the first step in a lengthy process.

“Transport for NSW and the Minns Government have committed to carrying out a detailed corridor assessment, identifying short-term solutions, as well as options for increasing the long-term resilience of Waterfall Way.”

Mr Collins said TfNSW was continuing work on long-term design options for Waterfall Way.

“We are yet to finalise the design that will allow Waterfall Way to be fully reopened but we will continue to keep the community updated as we work on a long-term solution to ensure Waterfall Way is a safe and reliable connection,” he said.