Major road projects

Update - 26 July 2024

Latest update

Works are continuing at Thomas James Bridge and the Settlers Road Landslip, with the following works being carried out this week:

• Steel fixers on site tying steel for the Wisemans Ferry side of the bridge
• Completion of the dish drain down to the end of the Slips 1 site

The below works are planned for next week, weather permitting:

• Awaiting confirmation of the steel schedule for the reinforcement on the St Albans side
• Continuation of the shaping and finishing of the batter to the back of the dish drain

These works will continue to take place between the hours of 6:30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and from 6:30am to 2pm on Saturdays. Please expect continuous truck movements during these hours.

Please continue to adhere to the traffic conditions on the temporary access road:
- 42 tonne weight limit
- 20km/h speed limit
- Maximum vehicle length 12.5m
- articulated trucks are not permitted

Delaney Civil prioritises the safety and well-being of the community. The project is progressing according to the program, however external factors and unexpected circumstances during the landslide repairs can occasionally lead to extended delays. Delaney Civil acknowledges that these delays are inconvenient and apologises for the inconvenience caused, every effort is being made to minimise disruptions while the project is completed as efficiently as possible and to the highest safety standards.

Please also be advised that due to the unforeseen and unknown challenges with this complex project, and with safety of residents and workers paramount, we anticipate shorter, unplanned closures at less notice. Road closures will only occur in the event a section of the road becomes unsafe for passing traffic and is deemed necessary for keeping the community and site workers safe. In the event of heavy rainfall, our strict road closure protocols will continue to be followed.

Please do not hesitate to contact Emily Mallon at Delaney Civil if you wish to further discuss any of the above, or have any additional questions, on 0484 267 907 or on email community@delaneycivil.com.au.

Cornwallis Riverbank & Drain Restoration

Update 19 July 2024

Applications for the construction tender closed 18 July 2024. Evaluation of submissions is now underway.
Once contracts have been awarded, construction works will follow and are anticipated to take approximately 9-12 months, dependant on weather and river conditions.

The final design sees the reinstate of Cornwallis Road to its original horizontal and vertical alignment and a new concrete box culvert drain to replace the destroyed pipe drain. The works presently underway are the responsibility of the adjoining landholders.

Update 17 May 2024

Funding was secured earlier this year and procurement has now commenced with the long-lead time concrete box culverts having been ordered and tendering for the construction of the reconstruction project expected to be completed by the end of July. Construction works will follow this and are anticipated to take approximately 9-12 months, dependent on weather and river conditions.

The final design sees the reinstate of Cornwallis Road to its original horizontal and vertical alignment and a new concrete box culvert drain to replace the destroyed pipe drain. The works presently underway are the responsibility of the adjoining landholders.

Update 2 February 2024

Infrastructure NSW has advised that it has secured the State Government portion of funding for flood repairs at Cornwallis, including the repair of the flood mitigation system and the replacement of the missing section of Cornwallis Road.

Following the development of an initial design for the reinstatement of Cornwallis Road and the Bakers Lagoon drain, NSW Public Works has been working closely with adjoining landholders to facilitate a design which sees the reinstatement of the privately owned river bank, including completing further geotechnical investigations and proof of concept for construction methodology.

Given the unique challenges with this project, including the potential for the reinstatement of the private property adjoining Cornwallis Road, a bespoke approach to procurement and contract management has to be developed so as to mitigate the financial risk to Council.  It is expected that over the coming quarter, Council, NSW Public Works and the NSW Reconstruction Authority will finalise this approach to contracting and move into the procurement stage.

Update 12 October 2023

NSW Government and Public works working closely with landowners on a solution for the restoration of the riverbank.

The site has significant hydraulic and geotechnical complexities and as of 12 October 2023 geotechnical investigations are currently being undertaken onsite to determine borehole and pier locations that maybe required to be constructed to support the new road. The estimated timeframe for the geotechnical work is mid November 2023, weather permitting.

Update - 20 July 2023

The NSW Government has advised that it has secured its portion of funding for flood repairs at Cornwallis, including the repair of the flood mitigation system and the replacement of the missing section of Cornwallis Road.

The initial damage at Cornwallis was caused during the March 2021 flood, with the failure of the flood mitigation system and severe erosion of the riverbank. Subsequent flooding in 2022 caused further erosion and the breaching of the riverbank, resulting in a small bay forming. A 180-metre section of Cornwallis Road was also lost.

In support of Hawkesbury City Council, the NSW Government (led by Infrastructure NSW, NSW Public Works and the EPA) prepared a feasibility assessment to consider various infrastructure options to rebuild Cornwallis Road. Consultants and specialists were engaged to assess the options against multiple considerations to meet the following key objectives and funding guidelines:

• Restore Cornwallis Road, including drainage and associated infrastructure
• Restore flood water behaviour to prior conditions
• Ensure the integrity of the land and sustainability of any solution
• Maintain/enhance the integrity of Bakers Lagoon, which is home to a number of endangered species

Following this detailed process, the option that has been identified by the NSW Government is to restore Cornwallis Road on a 13-metre-high embankment and provide suitable drainage infrastructure under the road from Bakers Lagoon to the new bay. This option reinstates the natural levee function and the protection it provided to landowners. It will not restore the riverbank to its original alignment; the small bay will remain.

The state funding means that discussions can commence with landowners regarding access and acquisitions while negotiations continue with the Federal Government for its contribution. It is anticipated the restoration works will take 12 months to complete pending finalisation of discussions with landowners.

NSW Public Works will deliver the project on behalf of Council.