Eurobodalla Council crews are repairing local roads as fast as they can after rain and flooding caused havoc to infrastructure across the state.
Eurobodalla Council’s works manager Tony Swallow said the shire’s busiest local roads were being prioritised as crews methodically made their way through the shire.
“We’re continuously patrolling our highest traffic roads looking for potholes. We’re working through the backlog, but it’s going to take time,” he said.
“Small potholes are fixed by placing a cold-mix into the holes, while some larger potholes and failing pavement will require full removal and replacement.
“This means some repairs will be temporary and will need repeat attention until we have the time and gear for a permanent fix.”
Works will start on George Bass Drive around Broulee on Friday, moving further north to Beach Road. Crews will steer clear of the busy arterial roads on Monday to prevent hold ups to the expected increase in traffic from the Canberra long weekend.
Meanwhile, several flooded roads and bridges remained closed west of the Princes Highway on Thursday.
“Now that water levels are starting to recede our focus is on restoring access for our rural residents by getting those bridges and roads cleared as quickly as possible,” Mr Swallow said.
Mr Swallow said Transport for NSW, which is responsible for maintenance of the Princes and Kings Highways, is aware of serious damage to sections of each.
“They too are working as fast as they can, but this isn’t limited to Eurobodalla – there’s significant damage all over the eastern seaboard in the areas that experienced extended heavy rain,” Mr Swallow said.
“The best thing drivers can do is show patience, slow down, and take extra care.”
The week’s flood was the 10th natural disaster to hit Eurobodalla in 28 months.
“Bushfires, floods and a 30 per cent increase in traffic on some of our roads in the past five years has added significant strain to our transport network,” Mr Swallow said.
“We continue to advocate for more state and federal government funds to further improve the resilience of our local roads into the future.”
