A $30 million investment from the Minns Labor Government will deliver critical upgrades to Summervilles and Gordonville roads, improving safety, strengthening freight access and building the resilience of these key regional routes.
Transport for NSW is working closely with Bellingen Shire Council to deliver targeted improvements, including road widening and resurfacing, upgraded drainage, and clearer line marking and roadside barriers. A Road Safety Audit has identified additional safety improvements needed, which will be built into the program of work.
These upgrades follow the use of Summervilles and Gordonville roads as detour routes following the landslip that led to the closure of Waterfall Way between Bellingen and Dorrigo.
The $30 million investment will build on $3.8 million already committed by the Albanese Labor Government through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, for the replacement of two timber bridges with reinforced concrete structures and sealing a three-kilometre unsealed section of Summervilles Road.
The upgrades will be coordinated with planned restoration work on Waterfall Way, ensuring a stronger, more resilient road network for the region.
Waterfall Way reopened to traffic on Saturday 21 March under one-lane conditions, easing pressure on the temporary detour and allowing the return of trucks up to 3-meters wide back on this key route.
Temporary barriers remain in place at the Gordonville cutting to protect motorists from potential rockfalls while long-term planning continues. The road may still close at short notice during periods of heavy rain.
Transport for NSW continues to work closely with Bellingen Shire Council to monitor the area.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
"Whether it's a motorway, a historic bridge, or key detour route, the reliability and safety of our entire road network is paramount.
"Following the temporary closure of Waterfall Way earlier this year, Summervilles and Gordonville roads were used as the detour route. This $30 million investment will strengthen these routes, improve safety, and ensure they can better handle increased traffic when it matters most.
"This is about responding to more than one event, and instead ensuring the region is better prepared for future weather impacts and unexpected closures."
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Bellingen Shire Council, Steve Allan:
"After what has been a challenging period for our Shire following the temporary closure of Waterfall Way, this $30 million investment is incredibly welcome.
"Council heard directly from the community through the Community Impact Survey about the significant and far-reaching impacts the nine-week closure had on people's daily lives, local businesses and community connections.
"The funding is a vital investment in the resilience of our local road network. These upgrades will help strengthen key transport routes, improve reliability, and provide our communities with greater confidence in the alternative east-west access routes they rely on during Waterfall Way closures, while long-term solutions for the corridor continue to be pursued."
Quotes attributable to Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp:
"Locals know better than anyone how important these roads became during the Waterfall Way closure.
"This investment will improve the safety and reliability of the routes which are part of daily life for families, freight operators and local businesses."
