Residents keen to stay up to date on the status of the temporary track at Tyalgum Road – particularly during significant rain events – are urged to sign up to a new SMS alert system launched by Council today.
Work is progressing well at the extreme landslip site on Tyalgum Road, one of the most complex restoration projects in the Tweed Shire following the devastating flood of 2022.
A temporary track was opened in October last year to restore connectivity to Tyalgum while work continues on the permanent fix. It operates under traffic light control, with automatic gates at either end able to control access to the roadway if required.
The track, about 3 km from the intersection of Limpinwood Road at Tyalgum village, remains open 24/7 but could suddenly close in the event of any significant ground movement and/or heavy rainfall, to ensure public safety and project integrity.
The slip site is being closely monitored and there are triggers in place which prompt changes in the status of the road.
To understand this process, visit the new Tyalgum Road temporary closure trigger page on Council's website.
To ensure motorists are kept up to date with the situation regarding the temporary access road, Council will advise the community through various communication channels of any imminent change/s required for the roadway.
Updates will be provided through Council's social media platforms, website and digital VMS boards on the road, as currently occurs.
Notifications will now also be provided through a new mobile phone SMS alert (text message) system which residents can voluntarily opt into, using the form on Council's Tyalgum Road temporary closure trigger page. There is no charge for the service.
Every time one of the 3 levels listed below is triggered, subscribers will receive a text message alert to the mobile number provided:
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Red – Road closed – SMS to be sent
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Amber – On watch – SMS to be sent when on or off watch
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Green – Road open – SMS to be sent when road reopens after closure.
Council's Manager Infrastructure Delivery Tim Mackney said he hoped the new SMS system would help alleviate some concerns for local residents.
"We know how stressful it is for residents every time we get heavy rainfall to plan their journeys to and from home, particularly those who have experienced flooding in the past," Mr Mackney said.
"We hope this new system provides some additional certainty as to the status of Tyalgum Road and helps alleviate some of that stress and concern. We urge everyone who uses this road regularly to sign up to the SMS system."
