Flood-impact: Roads and bridges update

Kempsey Shire Council

Sherwood Bridge 10 March 2.57pm

Update as at 4pm Thursday 10 March 2022

KEY UPDATES

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a final flood warning for the Macleay River on Wednesday 9 March 2022.

Flooding is no longer anticipated for the Macleay River as a result of the recent weather system.

RIVER CROSSINGS

Bridges that cross the Macleay River upstream of Kempsey are progressively opening.

It is critical that residents abide by the bridge closures. Mud and debris remains on bridges and Council must inspect the structures for any damage prior to opening. Please be patient while inspections occur.

Current bridge status:

– Sherwood Bridge is CLOSED

– Turners Flat Bridge is OPEN

– Temagog Bridge is CLOSED

– Toorooka Bridge is CLOSED

– Bellbrook Bridge is CLOSED

– Dungay Creek Causeway is OPEN

– Dowlings Falls Causeways is CLOSED

ROADS

At present the following roads have been marked as CLOSED:

– Armidale Road at Flying Fox, 20-30km into Armidale Regional Council’s LGA area is CLOSED

– Maria River Road is CLOSED

– Seale Road at Loftus Bridge is CLOSED

– Gladstone Street underpass is CLOSED

– Saleyards Road is CLOSED

– Theresa Street at Euroka Road is CLOSED

– Old Aerodrome Road is CLOSED

Check with RMS www.livetraffic.com or 132 701 for more road status information.

FLOODGATES

– The flood relief gates at Kinchela Creek and Belmore River are CLOSED.

– The cross over gates on Kinchela Creek and Belmore River are CLOSED. (NOTE: These are different to flood relief gates.)

– The floodgates on Christmas Creek and Euroka Creek are CLOSED

– Ryan’s Cut Outlet is OPEN to the ocean

– Big Hill Outlet is OPEN to the ocean

FLOOD CAMERAS

The most recent images from flood cameras on the Macleay River are available at ksc.pub/flood

The flood monitoring camera at Sherwood Bridge, west of Kempsey, is focused on the bridge deck so residents can see if the bridge is being affected by flooding.

Images are updated every 30 minutes. Please note the time stamp is set to Australian Eastern Standard Time NOT to Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time.

COUNCIL CREWS MONITORING THE REGION

Council’s work teams are inspecting roads and areas of concern and we will advise of developments in future updates.

Council are currently stretched, flood damage could be present in several locations if you need to travel please exercise caution.

Council welcomes advice from residents in outlying areas regarding any concerns which may be reported to Council on 6566 3200 however our Customer Service Centre is currently experiencing a high volume of calls so please check that your concerns have not already been addressed online.

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.

In life-threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.

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