This week marks a major step forward in the flood restoration of Kyogle Road with contractor CMC opening site A, closest to Byangum Bridge, to dual lane traffic.
In the aftermath of the February 2022 floods, Kyogle Road was severely damaged with 3 major sites between Byangum and Uki suffering extreme road collapse.
All 3 sites were reduced to single lane traffic under traffic light control.
Mount Warning Road was also severely damaged as the flood Tweed River caused widespread destruction on the hinterland road system.
Following the completion of guardrail installation and linemarking, the site is now open to dual lanes of traffic with a reduced speed of 80km/h in place. Additionally, a 40km/h zone will be enforced at the neighbouring site.
CMC is rebuilding all 3 sites on Kyogle Road between Uki and Byangum, as well as overseeing the restoration of Mount Warning Road.
The total cost of the 4 restoration sites is more than $38 million, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, following the February 2022 flood event.
Site B at Boulder Close and site C, the largest and most complex restoration nearest Uki, are expected to be reopened to traffic by the end of the 2024.
Mount Warning Road is expected to reopen to dual lane traffic by the end of November 2024.
The site A slip was 115 metres in length and more than 5 metres in depth. Five rows of gabion baskets, each a metre high, were required to bring the site back to the existing road level.
Council Project Manager Brad Turner acknowledged the significant effort by CMC.
"Council commends CMC for their tremendous effort in coordinating the construction of the four complex reconstruction sites," he said.
"CMC have been exceptional at not only managing the construction of the works but ensuring they protected the Tweed River throughout the process."
The massive undertaking has seen more than 22,000 tonnes of rock brought to the sites requiring more than 3,600 truck movements. Crews assembled and filled 3,445 gabion baskets, using more than 480,000 rocks.
CMC Project Manager Adon Dinsmore said CMC is proud to restore this critical piece of infrastructure for the local community well ahead of program.
"We are sincerely grateful for the patience and gratitude shown by the locals and road users, which has been instrumental in managing key risks related to work zone traffic management," he said.
"We recognise the disruption projects like these can cause to local residents and acknowledge the opportunity we have to leave a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come.
"We are also thankful for the chance to provide support to local volunteer organisations who play a vital role in serving the community."
