Fixing flood damaged road network a priority

3 December

Transport for NSW and local councils have maintenance crews ready to assess and schedule any repairs to flood damaged roads on the State network in northern and western NSW.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the task was switching from incident response to focus on recovery and repairs as flood waters start to recede and people start to prepare for Christmas holiday travel.

“Communities around Forbes, the Pilliga, Moree and communities north to the Queensland border, Gunnedah, Narrabri and Tamworth are well and truly waterlogged and ready for flood waters to recede,” the spokesperson said.

“We want to reassure these communities that it is a priority for us to get crews out to assess any damage to roads once it is safe to do so. When the road layers dry out, we can start the process to repair the potholes to ensure longer lasting road surface.

“This is a high priority and we will also divert crews from road project work so we have more available pairs of hands as needed.”

The spokesperson said the NSW Government will work with local councils to ensure emergency road repairs for regional and local roads affected by flooding are funded to reinstate them to their pre-flood condition.

“Transport for NSW will be working closely with local councils to get the latest information about any significant road repairs which may be needed as a result of water damage, along with details and locations for patching and pothole repairs.”

“We want to ensure all road users are able to get out and about safely to pick up the Christmas ham or travel to visit friends and family this upcoming holiday season.

“Once we have identified locations for repairs to be carried out, we will provide this information to local communities so people can plan their trips.”