The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will widen and extend a section of the Castlereagh Highway after a major recent landslip.
Deputy Premier and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said heavy rain in October caused a landslide three kilometres south of Capertee, damaging a 50-metre section of pavement in the southbound lane - creating a new edge to the road and cliffside - toppling a power pole and depositing debris on the railway line below the road corridor.
"It was really a case of seeing the fix for the landslip at this location and deciding to not only carry out repairs but also significantly improve safety through this section of road for all users," Mr Toole said.
"The southbound lane was closed for safety reasons and crews got to work immediately with traffic guided through the site in both directions under single lane stop/go arrangements.
"While monitoring the slope, crews identified further cracking and inconsistencies in the pavement near the landslip area. We then engaged Pan Civil to conduct remediation works along the 250 metres impacted by the landslip."
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the cost of works along with the safety upgrade is currently estimated to be around $10.7 million.
"As well as slope remediation, this section of highway will be widened to 11 metres, and the road pavement surface will also be replaced, making it a smoother, safer and more efficient journey through Pearson's Lookout for all motorists," Mr Farraway said.
The terrain is difficult to navigate and we have specialised equipment to negotiate the cliff face, including a Menzi Muck Walking Excavator which we call a 'spider excavator'.
"We're also using a 13-tonne and two 23-tonne excavators, dump trucks, drill rigs and grout pumps to get the work done."
