Road testing continues

Gosford council has said it will reopen Woy Woy Rd to two-way traffic flow at the "earliest predictable date" while it continues to undertake testing to confirm the extent of the works required.

Early indications are that the work will extend beyond the section which collapsed on April 24.

A council report stated that should the work be restricted to a relatively short section of road, a gabion retaining wall (crushed rock filled wire baskets) is the likely treatment or perhaps large packed rocks subject to their availability and the quality of stone.

It also stated that should a larger section of Bulls Hill require reinstatement a complete formation widening retained by a sheet pile wall will come under consideration by council.

Work has commenced on site using council day labour to establish construction access to the area at the base of the collapse in order that loose material may be cleared and a platform of sound material established on which it is anticipated a retaining wall will be built.

The council has said once the reinstatement treatment is finalised a full reinstatement program will be provided "for the benefit of the community and council".

Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews announced last month a $250,000 contribution by the State Government towards the repairs to Woy Woy Rd.

According to a council report, it was not possible to confirm the extent to which the grant would cover the cost of the work.

Council agenda CIT.15, 3 Jun 2008