Macquarie Pass will be closed for six hours on Thursday to allow the state’s road authority to carry out an urgent assessment of potential damage caused by last week’s torrential rain.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The dangerous nature of Thursday afternoon’s wild weather sent large volumes of water rushing across sections of the Pass, leaving some drivers stranded.
As result of the flooding, the Illawarra Highway was closed on Thursday night and all day on Friday.
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) will again shut the Pass between 9am and 3pm on Thursday – this time to allow “urgent investigations” to be undertaken.
“A large amount of debris was washed down from the slopes after storms last week, with work being carried out to clear drains and gutters,” an RMS spokesman said.
“The work will ensure water can be cleared quickly to minimise the risk of flooding.
“Geotechnical investigations will also be carried out around the lower causeway to determine what further work is needed to repair some minor damage.
“Roads and Maritime Services’ priority is the safety of all road users, which is why this work has been scheduled immediately after the heavy rainfall.”
Diversions for light vehicles will be in place via Jamberoo Mountain Road and motorists should allow an extra 10 minutes travel time from Robertson to Albion Park.
Heavy vehicles will be detoured onto the Hume Motorway, Picton Road and the M1 Princes Motorway.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
