Works will start shortly on urgent repairs to the approach to the second bridge on Darkes Road in West Dapto.
A portion of Darkes Road leading to the bridge has been closed for safety reasons since storm events in April 2022. Council closed the road after the road surface that connected the bridge to the roadway was undermined, leaving a significant gap on the south-west corner of the bridge.
“I know this has been a frustrating time for many residents who use Darkes Road to get to and from their homes and for local businesses and I’m pleased to say that works will soon be underway,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
“This closure has certainly generated a lot of local debate and I would like to assure residents that this wasn’t a decision Council made likely. We’re well aware of the impact it had on local residents, and we’ve worked quickly and diligently to get plans in place to carry out the work.”
Ahead of the repair works, Council has completed a Review of Environmental Factors, including an ecological review of the creekline and requested emergency approval from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) to do the work as it’s alongside a flowing creek. Council also received approval from a private landowner to enter their property to carry out the work.
“It’s important we carry out these steps in our processes as it ensures we have best practice measures in place to protect the local environment and ensure the safety of those on the site ahead of starting the work,” Cr Bradbery said.
“While we sought the necessary approvals, we also worked on our plans as to how we could complete the works as quickly as possible. We have worked to fast-track these processes as much as possible.”
Work is anticipated to start on Darkes Road bridge on Monday 4 July and, provided we get good weather, is expected to take about three weeks to complete. While the work is underway, the road will remain closed. We will update the two electronic VMS boards that are on Darkes Road when we have a reopening date.
