en.Wedoany.com Reported - Transport for NSW will commence a major repair project on Waterfall Way in early August, aiming to stabilize the Gordonville Cutting section that experienced a landslide in January. The project will improve slope stability and allow for the removal of temporary shipping containers filled with rock that were installed earlier this year to protect motorists from falling rocks. The initiative is designed to deliver long-term safety and resilience upgrades for this key corridor used by local communities, businesses, and freight operators.
Waterfall Way is an important regional road connecting Bellingen and surrounding communities. The landslide at Gordonville Cutting in January disrupted traffic, forcing authorities to implement temporary safety measures while developing a long-term solution. The repair project will include vegetation removal, earthworks, and drainage system upgrades. Transport for NSW stated that the design will incorporate on-site geological conditions to improve slope stability and reduce the risk of future disruptions from natural hazards.
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the works would be welcomed by the local community and freight operators. "The start of this work will be very welcome news for the Bellingen community and everyone who relies on this important route, especially our freight operators," Aitchison said. She noted that the project will take the corridor beyond temporary risk controls. "After the major landslide earlier this year, our priority was keeping people safe while we worked on a long-term solution. This project will stabilize the slope, reduce the risk of future rockfalls, and make this critical regional road more resilient."
The Gordonville Cutting project aims to stabilize the slope and improve safety for road users, while enhancing the route's long-term resilience in severe weather conditions. The project is expected to take approximately six to eight months to complete, with most work carried out on weekdays, though some night and weekend activities may be scheduled depending on site conditions and operational requirements. During construction, Transport for NSW will work with Bellingen Shire Council and contractors to minimize impacts. However, at certain times, Waterfall Way must be closed to ensure safe operations, and motorists will be directed to use Summervilles Road as a detour. For freight operators and regional businesses, the project may cause short-term disruptions, but the long-term goal is to establish a more reliable corridor to reduce weather-related closures.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Steve Allan said the road closure had affected many aspects of the community. "The closure of Waterfall Way has impacted almost every aspect of our community life," Allan said. "Families, businesses, freight operators, students, and workers have all felt the effects, and many have shown incredible patience and resilience over the past six months."
The Gordonville Cutting repair project is part of a broader plan by the New South Wales Government to improve the safety, reliability, and resilience of Waterfall Way. This includes a $30 million investment to upgrade Summervilles Road and Gordonville roads, which have served as critical detour routes during the Waterfall Way closure. Upgrades include road widening, resurfacing, drainage improvements, and installation of roadside safety barriers. Additionally, further flood mitigation, slope stabilization, and safety upgrades are being planned or implemented at locations such as Burdett Park, Camerons Corner, Crystal Falls, Maynard Plains, Woodchip Corner, and Myers Bluff. Aitchison said the investment aims to help regional roads recover more quickly after severe weather.
