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Geotechnical assessments of 2 sections of Scenic Drive damaged by major landslips will determine short and long term remedial solutions for the roadway.
Council’s Manager Roads and Stormwater Danny Rose said the geotechnical investigations were an essential first step in designing permanent repairs for the road and enabling it to be reopened safely.
“Geotechnical assessment has started at the closed section of Scenic Drive, north of Simpson Drive. Drilling for soil testing started yesterday and will continue on to today,” Mr Rose said.
“Significant damage like this requires a detailed engineering solution based on the geotechnical investigations. When all assessments have been completed, the preferred design option will need to be assigned to specialist contractors to carry out. It may take 6–12 months to fix the road.
“Geotechnical assessment at the slip site, between Mount Bilinga Circuit and Warringa Drive, will start today (Thursday 24 March). There will be minor changes to the existing traffic conditions.
“The current one-way traffic will remain, however this section of Scenic Drive will be closed from 10 am to 1 pm on Thursday 31 March and Friday 1 April as geotechnical specialists will be drilling the roadway embankment for soil testing.
“Unfortunately, the 3-hour closures over the 2 days will isolate residents in Mount Bilinga Circuit and the section of Scenic Drive between the 2 slips. Arrangements will be in place to ensure emergency vehicles have access.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and ask for your patience as we work towards a more permanent repair.”
Once the drilling activities are completed, large concrete barriers will be installed at the road closure.
“I cannot stress enough the dangers of driving through closed roads,” Mr Rose said.
“Roads are closed to keep motorists safe. Tampering with road closed signs or barriers is a serious offence and could result in someone being hurt or killed. Please don’t remove or tamper with them.”
Council estimates damage to the Tweed’s road network by the recent flood could cost around $40 million and take up to 2 years to repair, with more than 1,700 repair jobs already logged.
For more information and to keep up to date with what’s happening on the roads, visit MyRoadInfo or the Tweed Emergency Dashboard.
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