By Michael Burt
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp have reiterated a pledge to keep Waterfall Way closures brief during the Gordonville Cutting remediation works.
With work scheduled to start early next month, the community and local businesses in Dorrigo, Thora and Bellingen voiced concern that it could come with extended road closures.
Minister Aitchison issued a promise to the Bellingen Shire News that minimising the impact to the community and motorists is “our priority”.
“For the majority of the remediation work at the Gordonville Cutting landslip, starting in August, one lane will remain open under alternating traffic flow – the same arrangement we have now,” Ms Aitchison 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.”
The short closures will be dictated by the work needed such as high-risk road works, in addition to the stability of the slope during the works.
“Routine maintenance work continues on Summervilles Road, including sealing the gravel section to improve safety and provide a smoother journey for motorists using the detour route.”
Ms Aitchison said the remediation work will result in a safer slope and removal of the gravel filled shipping container barriers. The scope of work includes vegetation removal, earthworks and drainage upgrades.
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said there has been some confusion in the community about the extent of the pending Waterfall Way closures.
“There will be some short-termm closures for high-risk work or if slope conditions require it. These closures are expected to last from a few days up to 1–2 weeks, with Summervilles Road available as the detour,” Mr Kemp said.
“The Ministers office and Transport NSW have reassured me that any expected short closures will be communicated well in advance. Where possible, the closures will be scheduled at night to avoid peak traffic, and daytime closures will be planned around school bus services.”
The investigation and design for the Gordonville Cutting project will start in August 2026,