Past landslips along Armidale Road have caused significant disruptions, impacting hundreds of daily commuters and local businesses. Now, much needed remediation work is on the horizon for the Pee Dee area to prevent such challenges in the future.
This project will bring significant benefits to the community and road users by delivering a safer and more reliable road network, ensuring smoother daily commutes and reducing the risk of unexpected road closures that can disrupt travel and access to essential services.
Remediation of road-side Landslips will be constructed at 12 sites to increase the integrity of the road and will provide ongoing accessibility and safety for everyone who depends on this critical route.
Kempsey Shire Council has completed the designs for this essential project and is currently in the tendering phase. The project identifies 12 sites along a 2.6km stretch of road, with much of the remediation work focused on downslope areas, which are particularly vulnerable to erosion and landslips due to steep gradients and water runoff.
These locations were prioritised based on their risk level and their critical impact on road stability and safety. The westernmost site, at O'Sullivans Gap, marks the boundary of this ambitious effort to secure the road's future.
Group Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Dylan Reeves, underscores the importance of this project:
"Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure we deliver the best possible solution for the Pee Dee landslip remediation. This work is vital for safeguarding the road network and providing a long-lasting solution that benefits our community and the road users who rely on this route for their daily lives and livelihoods."
Council's commitment to excellence has driven every aspect of this project. Reeves added.
"We've worked hard to prepare a robust solution to address the landslip challenges. The team is determined to deliver an outstanding project that meets the highest standards and ensures the long-term safety and reliability of Armidale Road."
Works are scheduled to commence in early 2025, with an expected completion date between October and November 2025, weather permitting. The project will employ a soil nail, and shotcrete wall technique, a proven method that will result in a durable product.
As construction approaches, Council will provide timely updates to road users, including details on necessary road closures during school hours. Council is dedicated to minimising disruption by scheduling closures during off-peak times where possible and will share a detailed timeline of updates well in advance.
Council apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and is committed to giving ample notice to ensure minimal disruption.
