Progress is being made on works to repair two landslips on Scenic Drive at Bilambil Heights, with both geotechnical assessments now completed.
The final reports were received late last week and will allow Council to prepare tender documents to progress the repair works.
Stage 1 of the geotechnical assessment confirmed the main slip near Simpson Drive remains unsafe and advised against reopening the road to single-lane traffic. Council will continue to monitor both slips as recommended, particularly in light of current wet weather conditions.
As part of Stage 2 of the geotechnical assessment, testing was conducted onsite during March. The subsequent reports on the big slip near Simpson Drive and the smaller slip near Warringa Drive have just been received by Council.
Council’s Director Engineering David Oxenham said the reports were an essential first step in the repair process.
“These reports provide the technical basis upon which permanent solutions for these slips can be designed and built,” Mr Oxenham said.
“Council is now able to complete preparation of the tender documentation to release to the market later this month, who will then consider the geotechnical information and provide options back to Council.
“We expect pricing to be received in June, after which submissions will be assessed. We will then seek approvals from Transport for NSW and Council to award the contract. The contractor would then start design works, with construction to follow.”
Mr Oxenham said Council was working as fast as possible to address the situation.
“We understand the additional hardship and inconvenience the closure of Scenic Drive is having on residents, particularly those who live west of the slips at Bilambil Heights, Carool and other areas.
“Unfortunately there is no quick fix for Scenic Drive, with the ongoing wet weather conditions and a shortage of experienced contractors exacerbating the situation.
“We ask residents to remain patient, with diversions expected to remain in place for up to 12 months. We have prioritised the maintenance of detour routes via Bilambil Road and Terranora Road to ensure issues such as potholes are addressed as soon as possible.”
Council estimates damage to the Tweed’s road network caused by the recent flood could cost more than $50 million and take up to 2 years to repair, with more than 2,000 repair jobs already logged.
Regular updates on the progress of flood works are published on Council’s website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/ roadworks-closures as well as through Council’s social media channels. For updates on current road closures, visit MyRoadInfo.
