Clarence Valley Council is investing $9.7 million to undertake significant improvements to Wooli Road and Lawrence Road.
Work has commenced on Wooli Road and will dramatically improve the flood immunity of Sandy Crossing – an 800-metre stretch of road that is frequently inundated during heavy rainfall, isolating the village of Wooli.
Approximately 12,000 tonnes of rock and fill will be imported to raise the section of road by two metres.
Drainage will also be greatly improved through the construction of an 11-metre bridge and the installation of a six-cell culvert, replacing the smaller culverts that frequently become blocked with sand.
Acting Clarence Valley Council General Manager Adam Cameron said the $4.5 million project was fantastic news for the Wooli community.
“Clarence Valley Council is committed to improving vital connections such as Wooli Road, which is the sole access road in and out of Wooli.
“This project will mean that Wooli residents are less likely to be isolated during heavy rainfall and flooding, significantly improving safety for the community,” Mr Cameron said.
The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2027 and is jointly funded by Clarence Valley Council and the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Council has also commenced reconstruction of a 2.5-kilometre stretch of Lawrence Road. The road, which is a popular route for travellers between Grafton, Maclean and Yamba, will be widened from 6.5 metres to 9 metres to significantly improve safety.
The $5.2 million project will include the replacement of approximately two kilometres of water mains.
Work is scheduled to be completed before the end of the financial year and is funded by NSW Government following the closure of the Ulmarra Ferry.
“We are grateful for the funding from the NSW Government for this project which will benefit our local community.
“This project is great news for the Clarence Valley. Clarence Valley Council is committed to improving our road network, including vital connections such as Lawrence Road, which many residents rely on every day.”
