COUNCIL’S IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO DAMAGED ROAD NETWORK

This week we have focused on updating the community about the extensive road repair work that lays ahead following the 28 February natural disaster and March flood.

Council estimates that the flooding disaster caused more than $350 million worth of damage to Council assets and infrastructure.

Out of that total, the estimated damage to our roads and bridges network is $200 million.

To put this into perspective, Council assessed that 90% of our 1200km road network had suffered extensive damage.

There has also been much damage to many bridges, causeways, reinforced concrete pipes, reinforced concrete box culverts and footpaths across our road network.

Landslips have also reduced traffic to single lanes on some key access roads.

Immediately after flood waters receded, our road crews conducted emergency repairs on more than 80 roads to allow access for residents. Several construction crews worked extended hours to ensure damaged roads were reopened/made safe as soon as possible.

Council continues to repair more road damage with new works starting on a weekly basis, thanks to funding and support from State and Federal governments.

Currently we are working on the following roads:

- Wyrallah Road

- Duncan Road

- Keerrong Road

- Repentance Creek Road

- Terania Creek Road

- Wallace Road

- Black Road

- The Channon Road

You can keep up to date on the progress of works on these roads by going to our Your Say Lismore site www.yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

For more significant damage, we need to work with geotechnical engineers and start design and investigation work to deliver restoration. Restoration work of this nature can be quite complex to deliver and is exacerbated by demand for contractors in the area.

Council will work with state agencies and other local councils in the Northern Rivers to coordinate efforts where possible.

Council has released a document called the Flood Response report which examines the impact of the 28 February natural disaster and March flood, and Council’s initial response to restore basic services in more detail.

You can view that document which explains about the wider response beyond just roads by visiting Council’s website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au under Council & Engagement tab.