By Michael Burt
Intermittent Waterfall Way closures are imminent with major remediation work on the
Gordonville Cutting landslip beginning early next month.
The works will stabilise the slope, allowing for the removal of the temporary gravel-filled
shipping containers installed earlier this year to protect motorists from potential rockfalls.
The project will include vegetation removal, earthworks and drainage upgrades, with the
remediation designed to work with the site’s underlying geological conditions to deliver a
lasting solution for slope stability.
Construction is expected to take approximately six to eight months and will generally be carried
out on weekdays, although some activities may also occur at night or on weekends depending
on operational requirements and site conditions.
Transport for NSW will work closely with Bellingen Shire Council and contractors to minimise
impacts on motorists wherever possible.
However, there will be periods when Waterfall Way will need to close to safely complete the
work, with motorists directed to use Summervilles Road as a detour.
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the priority is to minimise impact to the community
and motorists and keep everyone safe.
“During the majority of the remediation work on Gordonville Cutting landslip, a single lane,
alternating traffic flow arrangement will be in place on Waterfall Way – the same arrangement
that has been in place since the corridor reopened on Saturday 21 March,” Ms Aitchinson said.
“This ensures one lane of traffic will remain operational, and motorists can continue to use
Waterfall Way while the remediation work is undertaken.”
“For the safety of motorists and workers, short closures may be required for a few days or up to
1-2 weeks. Motorists will be directed to use Summervilles Road as a detour.”
“Any closures will be advertised in the community well in advance and any closures through the
day will be designed to not impact school bus times.”
Additional flood resilience, slope stabilisation and safety upgrades are also being planned and
delivered along Waterfall Way, including works at Burdmett Park, Camerons Corner, Crystal
Falls, Maynard Plains, Woodchip Corner and Myers Bluff.
“Seeing these long-term remediation works begin is an important milestone for the Shire,” said Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Steve Allan.
“It gives our community confidence that we are moving beyond temporary measures towards a safer, more reliable connection for everyone who relies on Waterfall Way.”
“The closure of Waterfall Way affected almost every part of life in our community. Families, businesses, freight operators, students and workers all felt the impacts, and many people have shown incredible patience and resilience over the past six months. ”
“I’d like to thank our community for the way they have supported one another throughout this challenging period, and Transport for NSW for continuing to work with Council as we restore this vital regional link.”
Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp, said the community has shown “incredible patience” over the past six months.
“The Minister has been working closely with myself and Bellingen Shire Council to progress these important upgrades, and it is pleasing to see this funding secured and these works moving forward soon,” Mr Kemp said.
“While there will be some disruption for motorists during construction, these upgrades are essential to delivering a safer, more resilient road and reducing the risk of future closures.”
The Gordonville Cutting remediation forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader commitment to improving the safety, reliability and resilience of the Waterfall Way corridor, including a $30 million investment to upgrade Summervilles and Gordonville roads with road widening, resurfacing, drainage improvements and roadside safety barriers.
