Road repairs hindered by record rain
Wingecarribee Shire Council is cautioning motorists to drive to conditions as full restoration of the Shire’s road and infrastructure network is likely to take some time to resolve.
This comes in the wake of further forecast heavy rain in the days ahead.
Council’s Director Service and Project Delivery Karin Targa said the repair bill would be significant.
“We won’t know the full extent of the rain and flood damage until a thorough assessment of all of our roads, assets and infrastructure is undertaken,” she said. “And that can only be undertaken once the rain finally eases.”
Ms Targa said the Shire’s 2,700 square kilometre geographic size presented additional challenges.
“Council crews continue to assess and inspect over 8,500 stormwater structures, 1,200 kilometres of roads, more than 50 bridges and dozens of car parks across the length and breadth of our Shire,” she said.
“As they progress they are prioritising and making safe those roads and structures deemed to be the most critical.”
Ms Targa thanked residents for their understanding as the deluge continued along the east coast.
“We appreciate that some pot holes are not being tended to immediately, however our crews continue to work incredibly long hours in often difficult conditions to restore our roads as soon as practical,” she said.
Ms Targa said that since the start of the rain event Council crews had been using an average of 100 tonnes of cold mix each week to temporarily repair pot holes.
“An average pot hole requires 40 kilograms of cold mix which equates to 2,500 repairs per week,” she said.
“This is an estimate only and a temporary solution until the weather improves and repairs can be undertaken,” Ms Targa stressed.
“We thank motorists for their continued patience and ask if they do spot damage to our roads to phone Council on 4868 0888 or visit Council’s website,” Ms Targa added.
“We would however ask that if a person reports damage that they contact Council only once for each issue so as to minimise duplicated efforts.”
To report damage or a hazard phone Council on 4868 0888 (24/7) or visit Council’s website at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/Council/Contact-Us.