To protect local properties and strengthen the resilience of our roads, we're upgrading a road culvert at Priestley Street Mittagong that's prone to flooding and was severely damaged during the 2022 storm and flood event.
Wingecarribee Shire Council successfully applied to the Infrastructure Betterment Fund for the upgrade of this culvert. The Infrastructure Betterment Fund is co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is focused on building back essential public assets, such as roads, bridges and drainage impacted by the storm and flood events in 2021 and 2022 to a more resilient standard.
"One of 136 projects across NSW to receive a share of $260M in funding under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, this is another great outcome for the community as we work together to improve our preparedness for future challenges." Says Council Administrator Mr Viv May.
Funding will allow the replacement of the culvert with a bridge that will provide more resilient infrastructure that can better withstand future natural disasters. This will address substantial damage that occurred to the creek bank, upstream creek bed and vegetation, during the 2022 storm and flood event. Damage was caused by insufficient capacity at the existing stormwater pipe and culvert interface on Priestley Street.
"Increasing capacity for the creek flows at the road crossing with a new bridge will better prepare the creek for diverting water away from neighbouring properties during future flooding events", says Coordinator Roads and Drainage Projects, Tim Wadling.
"Removing the pipe culvert and replacing with a bridge allows the creek to flow without restriction which in turn allows the creek banks to stabilise and minimises maintenance for Council at the site, bringing about a great benefit for the environment and the community", says Tim Wadling.
Temporary restoration has been completed on site to prevent any hazards prior to start of construction works. During construction works, the section of road between Cavendish Street and Etheridge Street will be closed with temporary detours in place.
The total project budget is $845K. $235K secured through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund is in addition to existing funding of $350K from DRFA for the restoration of this asset. The balance will be covered by Council's own funding.
Weather permitting, the upgrade is expected to be completed by November 2024.
