Major roadworks to upgrade an important fire trail in Blue Mountains National Park have begun in the Glenbrook precinct.
The work will see up to 5.4 kilometres of the Oaks Fire Trail restored, allowing improved and safer access for visitors and emergency vehicles.
Years of grading work on the fire trail has resulted in a loss of road base material and a lowering of the road surface so that drainage no longer works.
The upgrading works involve replacement of drainage structures and new road base material being laid, which will reduce the need for future maintenance and repairs.
Due to the increase in truck movements entering and leaving the park, as well as presence of heavy machinery throughout the duration of the works, the Glenbrook precinct will be closed to all vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists on weekdays.
Closed areas include the Woodford-Oaks track and the Oaks Single track; Euroka Campground, Red Hand Caves and Red Hands Cave walking track, the Nepean lookout and the Nepean River walking track.
Jellybean Pool and Blue Pool will also be closed.
On weekends, roads to Mount Portal and Euroka Campground, the Woodford–Oaks mountain bike route, and Jellybean and Blue Pool will be open.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife will reopen the precinct once works are completed.
Visitors should check for the latest information and safety advice on the NPWS alerts webpage.
Quotes attributable to NPWS Blue Mountains Branch Director David Crust:
'The end result of this important work will be a much improved road network that will support accessibility and enjoyment of the park. The works are also aimed at reducing the impacts of future storm events and associated closures, improving visitor experiences and ensuring the road network complies with new fire trail standards.
'We regret the extended closure however public access is not possible while heavy machinery and trucks are operating.
'While access to the Glenbrook precinct will only be possible on weekends over the next few months, visitors can enjoy bushwalks and bike riding in other parts of the park.
'Alternative walks include the network of trails around the upgraded Martins Lookout and Springwood area.
'Mountain bikers may wish to try out the Faulconbridge Ridge Fire Trail and the network of trails in the Winmalee area.'
