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There were smiles for miles along Reserve Creek Road today as temporary access was opened to motorists for the first time since the 2022 flood, as work continues on the repair of the road’s major landslip.
Local contractor SEE Civil Pty Ltd completed the temporary access road as part of a $6.8 million slip restoration project at Reserve Creek, financed through disaster funding from the NSW Government.
Today’s opening came weeks ahead of schedule due to the dedicated work of onsite contractors and the recent run of fine weather.
The single lane road is supported by geotechnical stabilisation works and is now open to all vehicles under traffic light controls, allowing motorists to once again travel from Murwillumbah to the Tweed Coast via Reserve Creek Road (and in reverse).
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry, who joined local residents and representatives of SEE Civil to mark the opening of the new temporary access road, was impressed by the result.
“It’s a great relief to see access restored through this temporary road and I commend our flood team and contractor SEE Civil for doing everything possible to speed up the construction process,” Cr Cherry said.
“I know it's been a challenging 16 months for local residents who have had to drive the long way around to get to places. It has been our priority to do everything possible to restore this through-connection between the Tweed Coast and Murwillumbah.
“A lot of work has been done in the background by Council’s flood team and contractors to get to where we are today, including geotechnical investigations, designs, tendering, seeking planning approvals and gaining approvals for disaster funding in trying market conditions. It's a credit to all involved to see through-access restored along Reserve Creek Road.
“Motorists, and particularly residents of the broader Burringbar Range, have access once again to a roadway which connects them to the Tweed Valley.”
SEE Group Executive Director of Operations Joel Barnes expressed his gratitude to the teams involved in the flood recovery efforts.
“I'm pleased to see Reserve Creek Road is now open to traffic, especially after the devastating floods we experienced last year,” Mr Barnes said.
“SEE Civil worked collaboratively with Council to expedite the early road reopening and we are proud to have completed these works ahead of schedule. The team developed an innovative remediation solution which allowed for this single lane reopening whilst the balance of construction works is ongoing, which is a fantastic outcome for the local community.”
SEE Group’s Executive Director of Corporate Services Peta Newton said: “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the people of Tweed Shire and Tweed Shire Council for their tireless efforts toward rebuilding our community after the devastating floods of last year. We recognise the hard work and dedication that has gone into restoring homes, businesses and infrastructure and we commend the resilience and spirit of the community throughout this difficult time.
“Through the collaborative efforts of Tweed Shire Council, emergency responders, volunteers and community members, significant progress has been made toward reinstating Tweed to its former glory.
“While there is still work to be done, we are heartened by the progress that has been made and are confident Tweed will continue to thrive in the future. We remain committed to supporting the community in its recovery efforts and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure a bright and prosperous future for our home, Tweed Shire.”
Detailed design work on the restoration of the permanent, two-lane road is now nearing completion, pending final approvals.
SEE Civil remains on-site, preparing for further stabilisation with construction works expected to start on the permanent road next month.
Once the permanent works are completed, the road will be safe to be opened completely without restrictions.
Tyalgum Road update
Meanwhile, works on the large slip at Tyalgum Road are progressing with the detailed design for the $16 million restoration project now 85% complete, subject to approvals. Council and contractor SEE Civil Pty Ltd are continuing to finalise remaining pre-construction activities including liaising with adjacent landholders.
Tweed Shire Council is working to prepare for, mitigate and build resilience to natural disasters while delivering a safe and connected local road network.
For more information on Council’s flood recovery works, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/flood-recovery-update.
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