After extensive rehabilitation works, both lanes of The Wool Road in Old Erowal Bay are open.
Major repair work has been carried out in response to severe damage sustained in 2024 to the section of road between Macgibbon Parade and Birriga Avenue, after extreme rainfall caused a sink hole.
Jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, plus a contribution from Shoalhaven City Council, the works were completed in December.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said she would continue to deliver funding so council could provide important infrastructure for the local community.
"Open ahead of the busy summer holiday period, the completion of these works couldn't have come at a better time," Mrs Phillips said.
"A big thank you to the contractor and crews for completing the work to ensure locals and visitors remain safe and connected on our local roads."
Member for South Coast, Liza Butler said it was great to see The Wool Road fully opened and once again supporting the Bay and Basin community.
"These repairs were made possible through joint NSW and Australian Government funding under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements following the extreme weather damage experienced last year," Ms Butler said.
"I also wish to thank Shoalhaven City Council and the workers who delivered this complex rebuild quickly and safely, and the local community for their patience while the works were carried out," she said.
"These upgrades have improved the resilience of the road into the future and demonstrate the value of all levels of government working together to deliver strong outcomes for our community."
Mayor Patricia White thanked the local community for their patience while experiencing delays when navigating a single lane across the area where the culvert collapsed.
"A lot of wet weather since works began lost us a few weeks, but luckily a run of good of fine weather meant w could fully open the road to the public before Christmas," Cr White said.
"New robust concrete culverts have replaced the old steel arch culverts, future-proofing this section of road for many years to come," she said.
Works have included:
- Demolition of existing steel arch culverts (pipe under road).
- Construction of a triple cell reinforced concrete box culverts and base slab.
- Construction of culvert headwalls.
- Reinstatement of road pavement and asphalt.
- Reinstatement of guard rail and line marking.
Pictured above L-R: Cr Brett Steele, Cr Luciano Casmiri, Mayor Patricia White, Member for South Coast Liza Butler, Project Delivery Manager Beorn Hulme.
