Roads and Maritime Services have hit back at claims the rock fall fencing along Bulli Pass is ugly.
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Since the reopening of Bulli Pass, some motorists have been less than impressed by the chain-link style fence running close to the road.
One motorist has described it to the Mercury as making the escarpment look like a “prison camp” and has destroyed “what was once a reasonably beautiful drive”.
A spokesman for Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) said making the rock fall fence look pretty wasn’t the key concern.
“The safety of motorists rather than aesthetics was the main focus of the rock fall protection fence,” the spokesman said
“The fence surface will weather with time and while still visible to a degree, vegetation removed to install the fence will grow back around it.”
Vegetation had been cut back to allow for the placement of the concrete pads that hold the fence posts in place.
When the plants and trees begin to grow back, efforts will be made to ensure the growth doesn’t damage the fence.
“Routine maintenance inspections will be carried out to ensure vegetation does not affect the operation of the barrier, which has been designed to stop rocks falling on the road by absorbing the impact of the fall,” the RMS spokesman said.
The spokesman said the “geological conditions and the angle of the escarpment slopes” necessitated placing the rock fall fence so close to the road.
The second section of the fence – which is due to be installed some time in late April 2017 – will be more hidden from view as it will be placed further back from the road.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward also hit back at criticism of the fence.
“Let me make this point, yes, it mightn’t be as attractive as what was there before but if it saves one life then that life is worth more than the aesthetic appearance of what is designed to save lives,” Mr Ward said.
“What is most important, saving lives and ensuring we don’t see further rock slippages that lead to the loss of life or aesthetics?
“Well, I’m going to take the side of human life every day of the week.”