Ensuring Safety Amidst LandslipsTyalgum Road Gates Closure Protocol Explained

safety, the automatic gates on Tyalgum Road’s temporary track, situated at an extreme landslip location, were closed following signifcant rainfall. This strategic decision was implemented by Council and SEE Civil Pty Ltd, the contracted entity, at approximately 6.30 pm after recording over 50 mm of rainfall per day across two consecutive days, one of the stipulated triggers for road closure.

The closure aimed to ensure the safety of motorists, allowing for a thorough assessment by geotechnical engineers. The gates were reopened at 7.30 am the next morning following a comprehensive safety inspection by the engineering team. This precautionary measure aligns with the agreed conditions of the project contract and geotechnical modelling.

Tim Mackney, Council’s Manager Infrastructure Delivery, emphasized that safety remains the top priority for Tyalgum Road, as outlined during the opening of the temporary track last October.

The road, initially closed for almost 20 months due to a severe landslip in the February-March 2022 food, had the temporary access track established in October, providing single-lane access with traffc light direction. The recent gate closure followed a similar process observed after the New Year’s Day deluge.

Monitoring conditions through on-site instrumentation, which tracks rainfall and ground movements, Council adheres to predetermined trigger points. When reached, these triggers mandate gate closure until a comprehensive safety assessment by geotechnical specialists is conducted.

Mr. Mackney acknowledged the challenge for local residents but stressed the importance of these measures in ensuring safe passage until permanent repairs, scheduled for completion in 2025. Additionally, he addressed an act of vandalism captured by CCTV overnight, emphasizing the potential risks and confrming its forwarding to NSW Police for action.

Council commits to keeping the community informed through various communication channels regarding any changes or potential temporary closures in the future. Stay updated on Council’s food restoration works at tweed.nsw.gov.au/foodrestoration-works.