The “prison camp” vibe of Bulli Pass looks to be disappearing.
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Not long after the pass was reopened in December following the installation of rockfall fencing, a number of Mercury readers vented their displeasure.
Vegetation had been cut back to allow for the placement of the concrete pads that hold the fence posts in place.
The move saw some people give the pass fence a fail, with one saying it made the escarpment look like a “prison camp” and it has destroyed “what was once a reasonably beautiful drive”.
While a Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) spokesman said safety rather than aesthetics was the organisation’s main focus, they expected the vegetation to regrow and cover the fence.
Just over six months later, that is happening as can be seen the before and after photos.
The “before” photo does indeed carry a “prison camp” feel, with the stark chain-link fence dominating the scenery.
Read more: Memorial Drive closed from Sunday night
But fast-forward to the weekend and the view is very, very different,.
While the fence is still visible in places, the vegetation is starting to reclaim its territory.
An RMS spokesman has said the fence will be regularly inspected to ensure the vegetation does not damage it or affect its operation.
The installation of the second stage of fencing is unlikely to be as noticeable because it will take place further up the slope.
That second closure will take place from August 28 to November 3 with work being down around the clock.
There will be a three-day hiatus to allow the pass to be reopened for the October long weekend.
It will see the remaining 500 metres of the 1.1-kilometre fence installed.
“The fence is being installed high up on the escarpment, which can only be accessed on foot or by using cranes and other lifting machinery from the road,” the RMS spokesman said.
“Heavy posts weighing 200 kilograms each and fencing will be lifted carefully into place, drilled and installed without damaging the surrounding rainforest canopy.”
As well as installing the fence, slope stabilisation work will also be carried out.
The need for this work was identified during the construction of the first stage late last year.
During the closure the detour routes will be via Lawrence Hargrave Drive and the M1 Princes Motorway, or Memorial Drive and the M1.
“Traffic volumes on the M1 at Mount Ousley and Lawrence Hargrave Drive will be higher than usual,” the spokesman said
“Motorists should expect delays and where possible travel outside of peak periods.”