While a welcome relief for some, heavy rainfall across parts of the MidCoast region has taken a significant toll on the local transport network.
Motorists are urged to take extra care on damaged roads as Council’s road crews continue to try to prioritise temporary repairs in the worst hit areas. Along with repairing potholes caused by the recent wet weather, crews have also been clearing debris and removing fallen trees, and will continue to assess the condition of the region’s roads over coming weeks.
Council says it’s important for the community to understand that filling potholes is only a temporary fix because reconstructing roads is a much larger operation that requires long term planning and funding.
“Of course we’d love to be able to get out across the region and fully reconstruct our entire roads network, but it’s not as simple as that,” explained Daniel Park, MidCoast Council’s Manager, Operations North.
“This kind of consistent rain over a long period of time brings all our work to a halt and when we already have a backlog, it unfortunately sets us back even further.
“We know the community is upset when they see us patching the road, but this is the best temporary solution to improve safety on our roads in the interim, while we plan for full reconstruction through our major roads program.”
Dan explained that fixing roads properly is a timely, costly exercise and it’s not as simple as the community may think.
“We are aware that the condition of our roads has been heavily impacted by the weather over the last few weeks, and we’re doing our best to try and make them safe again, first and foremost. We’re asking people to be alert to changing road conditions, slow down, and to observe roadside signage which may be in place to indicate where roads are worst damaged,” he said.
“We’re also encouraging people to let us know of any damaged roads they come across, as this helps us prioritise repairs and divert crews to the appropriate areas.”
“Unfortunately, with one of the largest road networks in the State, we’re always going to be on the back foot, but we want the community to know we are aware and we’re doing our best.”
The Bureau of Meteorology website indicates a wetter Autumn for the MidCoast with the three month rainfall predictions showing much of the same conditions.
To report damaged roads or debris, complete the online ‘report and request’ form on the Council website, www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/report or call 7955 7777.
