Wollongong driving on more stable roads
8th November, 2014
MOUNT Keira Road will officially re-open today with a community celebration, following $4.4 million worth of stabilisation and repair works funded under the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Programme.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said until the works had been carried out, the road had been susceptible to rock falls and landslides, with one section of road remaining closed to traffic since December 2012.
“The road was built many decades ago using a ‘cut and fill’ technique that over the years has settled and not provided the support required,” Mr Truss said.
“Five rows of rock anchors were embedded into the lower embankment to fix the bedrock, and the concrete edging rebuilt which meant the road could be widened by 1.5 metres.”
Illawarra based Senator for New South Wales Concetta Fierravanti-Wells said the project included repair, reconstruction and slope and cliff stabilisation works.
“Safety barriers were also installed, as well as reconstruction of the pavement itself. I am sure the opening will be most welcome for the many who have been patiently waiting for the works to be completed,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.
Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery OAM said widening the road improved safety for motorists.
“Widening the road has increased line of sight when travelling on the road,” Cr Bradbery said.
“The road is also popular with cyclists so I am pleased we have created a safe route for them, free from falling rock and landslides. The completion of this project will also give community members and visitors a second access route in and out of Wollongong, which is particularly important heading into the bushfire season.”
The Mt Keira works have been awarded the 2014 AustStab Award for Excellence in Recycling of stabilised pavements in local government.
The Australian Government contributed $2.4 million to the project through the Roads to Recovery Programme and Wollongong City Council contributed $2 million.
