Diversions are in place for motorists travelling in and around Forbes in the state’s Central West after floodwaters closed sections of three state-controlled roads in the town.
The water level continued rising overnight across Sheriff Street (Newell Highway), forcing the closure of the highway in both directions between Cross Street and Dowling Street this morning.
Traffic control is in place and a diversion under stop/slow conditions along Cross Street and Dowling Street will add about five minutes to the journey for motorists.
Lachlan Valley Way, west of Forbes, and The Escort Way, east of Forbes, remain closed due to floodwaters, though local and rural roads remain open to allow access for motorists driving in and out of Forbes.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said Transport for NSW is continuing to work closely with Forbes Shire Council to monitor the situation and urged all road users to drive to conditions during the ongoing flood event.
“We are committed to maintaining access wherever possible and implementing measures to keep the road network open, but the safety of all road users is always our number one priority,” Mr Farraway said.
“We urge all motorists to slow down, drive to the conditions and, remember – if it’s flooded, forget it.
“It is likely that some sections of the state’s road network will have suffered significant damage due to being inundated with floodwater over a long period of time.
“Where pavement repairs are required, we will maintain access to the network wherever possible.
“Crews are making the most of breaks in the weather to undertake emergency repairs where possible, to maintain access to the network during this unprecedented weather season.”
In the state’s west, the Oxley Highway remains closed between Warren and Collie and crews are continuing to monitor the Oxley Highway between Warren and Nevertire where there is water on the road and a reduced 40 km/h speed limit already in place.
Wee Waa remains isolated with the Kamilaroi Highway closed between Merah North and Narrabri.
The highway is expected to remain closed for some time as crews wait for floodwaters to recede to carry out an inspection of damage to the road.
Motorists can visit livetraffic.com for the most up-to-date information on state road closures and should visit the relevant council websites for local and regional road closures.
