Megalong Road has reopened to light vehicle traffic today, after a major landslide caused by heavy rain forced a two-week closure on the only sealed public access road into the valley.
A natural disaster was declared in the Blue Mountains and Lithgow LGAs after an extreme wet weather event on April 5, which saw more than 200mm of rain fall across the Blue Mountains and Greater Sydney.
The rain event caused at least five landslips across the Blue Mountains, including the one on Megalong Road, which was discovered as part of Council's proactive monitoring.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said Council had been working tirelessly to get the road open since the landslip occurred.
"The Megalong Valley is a special place which is a key tourism destination in Blue Mountains City. Getting access back into the valley is our priority, for the sake of the local economy, along with supporting our community.
"I would like to thank the State and Federal Governments for their fantastic support. The three levels of Government have worked closely together throughout.
"Opening one lane to light vehicle traffic enables residents and visitors passage in and out of the valley, while we work on a permanent solution that includes heavy vehicles."
Council contractors, following NSW Public Works and geotechnical advice, used shotcrete to stabilise the site and enable the use of large soil nails and sheet piles to build the temporary one-lane access road.
Access across the landslide site is one lane only, with a 7.5 tonne load limit while works continue to restore the road.
Traffic controls will be in place, including traffic escorts and a 10 kph speed limit past the slip. Motorists are advised to expect delays.
Campgrounds in the Megalong Valley, including Old Ford Reserve, Nellies Glen and Dunphys Park remain closed.
Image: Megalong Road reopens.
