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Community updates

ROAD STATUS

The Kempsey to Armidale Road, between Big Hill and Blackbird Flat is CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC.

THE ONLY exemptions are local residents of the road for essential travel and for emergency and essential services.

INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS

Update 17 April 2024

Alinta Energy oversize load postponed

Alinta Energy has advised the Kempsey to Armidale Road Restoration Project that the transportation of a drilling rig on a standard-size prime mover and trailer configuration from Bellbrook to Lower Creek tomorrow, Friday 19 April 2024, has been postponed.

They will advise the next date and residents will be advised by a project email update and by Alinta Energy via SMS, social media and website postings on their website.

Residents who want to receive SMS notifications about their project-related heavy vehicle movements in the area can contact Alinta Energy on 1800 518 194 or via email at info@ompshydro.com

Road maintenance

Council’s maintenance grading crew team will be moving plant down to Blackbird Flat tomorrow to start grading Kempsey Road on Monday. They will also be grading Lagoon Road and Lower Creek Road.

The crew also will be repairing potholes on the sealed bridge approaches and the seal in Lower Creek.

Council has set up a redirection for all phone inquiries regarding the Kempsey to Armidale Road. All inquiries should be directed to 1300 136 833 and press menu option 1 to speak to the project’s communications manager. Alternatively email council@armidale.nsw.gov.au

Project updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Update 15 April 2024

Alinta Energy oversize load

Alinta Energy has advised the Kempsey to Armidale Road Restoration Project it will be transporting a drilling rig on a standard-size prime mover and trailer configuration from Bellbrook to Lower Creek on Friday 19 April 2024.

The drilling rig will then be walked in from Lower Creek to the Oven Mountain lower reservoir site, south of the George’s Junction area, to undertake geotechnical investigations.

The oversize load will be escorted by a pilot vehicle within the project area to notify oncoming vehicles.

Alinta Energy have advised there will be other oversize loads being transported to their site.

Regular community updates will be provided by Alinta Energy via SMS, social media and website postings on their website.

Residents who want to receive SMS notifications about their project-related heavy vehicle movements in the area can contact them on 1800 518 194 or via email at info@ompshydro.com

Update 1 March 2024

Traffic alert: Works at curve 2 and new Community Hall at Lower Creek

Council will be carrying out works at a number of locations on Kempsey Road which will impact on traffic movements.

LOCATION

WORKS

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

Big Hill to Curve 2 (Waterfall Corner - 7.3 kms east of Lower Creek Road.

An excavator will be tracked down from Big Hill to Curve 2. An escort vehicle will lead the machinery down to the worksite at Curve 2.

Motorists are advised to use UHF radios set to channel 17 to communicate with the escort vehicle.

Monday 4^th & Tuesday 5^th March 2024.

There will be short delays managed by traffic controllers to allow the equipment to reach pullover bays and let traffic past.

Curve 2.

Big Hill to Curve 2.

Scour protection rock will be placed by an excavator at Curve 2.

Motorists are advised that trucks will be carting rock to site, from a stockpile, off Kempsey Road and to the north of Styx River Forest Way.

A pad foot roller will be tracked down from Big Hill to Curve 2 work site.

Motorists are advised to use UHF radios set to channel 17 to communicate with the escort vehicle.

Wednesday 6^th March 2024.

Traffic control at Curve 2 whilst works are being carried out. Expect short delays.

There will be short delays managed by traffic controllers to allow the equipment to reach pullover bays and let traffic past.

Curve 2 to corner of Long Flat Road and Kempsey Road.

Equipment will be tracked under escort from Curve 2 to the site of the new Community Hall at Lower Creek.

Motorists are advised to use UHF radios set to channel 17 to communicate with the escort vehicle.

Thursday 7^th March 2024.

Expect short delays.

Site of the new Community Hall at Lower Creek.

Access works and site investigations.

Friday 8^th through to Friday 16^th March 2024.

No impact on traffic movements.

We apologise for the late notice and appreciate your patience as these essential works are carried out. Please comply with any work site signage and directions from traffic controllers.

Road status

The Kempsey to Armidale Road, between Big Hill and Blackbird Flat, is CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC.

THE ONLY exemptions are local residents of the road for essential travel and for emergency and essential services.

Project updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

December 2023 Project Update (PDF 1020.2KB)

Update 31 October 2023

Traffic alert: road now open following fire at Lagoon Creek

The Kempsey-Armidale Road is now open following the fire at Lagoon Creek.

The Rural Fire Service has removed road closure signs following an assessment of damage by Council and monitoring of the status of the bushfire.

Project updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/kempsey-road

Update 25 October 2023

Urgent traffic alert: fire at Lagoon Creek

The Kempsey-Armidale Road is obstructed due to a fire at Lagoon Creek.

A full road closure is in place from Lagoon Creek Road to Smiths Creek Road.

Damage has been observed to the bridge on Lagoon Creek Road.

Residents are advised no access is permitted in that location due to rock slips.

Residents are advised to follow the instructions of the Rural Fire Service.

Council will assess damage and clear access when the threat of fire subsides for access.

Project updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/kempsey-road

Update 18 October 2023

Traffic access window survey

Seymour Whyte Constructions (SWC) were awarded the Early Contractor Involvement contract for the project by Armidale Regional Council in November 2022.

In April 2023, SWC undertook a survey of residents to obtain community feedback to help develop their construction methodology. The feedback has helped in the development of the main construction works program which includes a 10-day on, four-day off work roster for construction and traffic access arrangements. This provides for a midday traffic window for one hour access to residents during each of the 10-day on roster when construction.

These arrangements are necessary due to the remoteness of the project, narrowness of the road and the large amount of equipment and individual worksites which will be operating at any given time.

As work progresses on the production of the construction program, two traffic access window options are being investigated which could reduce the overall duration and cost of the main construction works along the Kempsey to Armidale Road.

To allow the community to provide valuable feedback on the two options being considered, a survey has been set up on Have Your Say on the Armidale Regional Council website.

Go to: http://yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au/kempsey-armidale-road-recovery-program

The survey will close off at midnight on Wednesday 1^st November 2023.

Reminder:

The Kempsey to Armidale Road, between Big Hill and Blackbird Flat, is

CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC.

THE ONLY exemptions are local residents of the road for essential travel and for emergency and essential services.

* Please note that the address for email inquiries has changed (see below).

Project updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/kempsey-road

Update 1 September 2023

Traffic alert: Culvert CCTV work

CCTV inspections of culverts at 50 sites will begin on Monday 4 September 2023 and continue for about two weeks, weather permitting.

The CCTV inspection work is a continuation of the culvert jetting/clearing work which started in early August and was notified by the traffic alert issued on 2 August 2023. The culvert jetting/clearing work has now been completed.

The purpose of the CCTV work is to inspect the integrity of the culverts to determine if they need replacing.

Delays of up to 15 minutes may be experienced at some locations where there will be no passing opportunities. Thank you for your patience during this time.

The work involves a van parked over the culvert sites with CCTV gear on board that is sent up the culvert.

In an emergency, traffic control will instruct the van to pack up and move to allow a vehicle to travel past.

Work will start at the eastern end of the project and continue along the project, although there will be times when the crew will need to work back towards the eastern end as the van will need to be parked in that direction.

Project updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Traffic alert 2 August 2023

Road maintenance

Culvert cleaning works started yesterday from Big Hill to White Rock.

The work will continue over the next few weeks to Blackbird Flat.

Short delays of up to 10 minutes can be expected for motorists.

Project updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Traffic alert 31 July 2023

Road maintenance

Culvert cleaning works will commence this week. Council apologies for the late notice. Further notification will be sent out shortly.

Motorists are advised to expect short delays due to the works.

Project updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/kempsey-road

Update 7 July 2023

PROJECT UPDATE FLYER - JULY 2023 PDF (PDF 1.7MB)

Road maintenance

Maintenance grading continues with the crew now at the top of Big Hill. Grading will progress through to Waterfall Way. Side roads are being graded progressively.

The grading crew have also removed some trees which were at risk of falling onto the road.

Vegetation mulching which started at Blackbird Flat is continuing westward and has reached Lower Creek. These works are being carried out seven days a week and will continue through to Wyatt’s Creek intersection. The work is expected to be finished in about two weeks.

Motorists should expect short delays at these work locations.

Rockfall monitoring

Rockfall monitoring has been ongoing for the last few weeks. The fallen rocks were painted and left in the roadside dish drains to allow geotechnical inspections to assess how much new rock has fallen and the quantities of rock at each location.

These investigations will provide information to be able to determine what upslope stablisation works need to be done. The painted rocks are now being removed from the roadside.

Increased load limits

Access for increased load limits occurs on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays every week for inducted registered persons only. The road is restricted to 10 tonne gross vehicle mass at all other times. An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration including date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons.

Project updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/kempsey-road

Update 23 June 2023

Road status

The Kempsey to Armidale Road, between Big Hill and Blackbird Flat is CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC.

THE ONLY exemptions are local residents of the road for essential travel and for emergency and essential services.

Non-compliance with general load limits and increased load limit procedures

Armidale Regional Council’s Traffic Advisory Committee’s decision to lift the general load limit for vehicles from 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (gvm) to 10 tonne gvm late last year was based on geotechnical advice, to provide improved opportunities for local residents within the project boundary to go about their day-to-day activities.

Similarly, the increased load limit ceiling was lifted to 20 tonne gvm on approved days to provide opportunities for primary producers to access saleyards and for heavier loads to service properties.

These limits were made in the interests of public safety based on geotechnical advice and regular inspections of the road.

On days where approved increased load limits apply, there is a process which has been in place since mid-2022.

It has been observed that heavy vehicles exceeding the load limits have been travelling the road.

An induction and registration procedure for increased load limits on approved days

is necessary so that Council can conduct a safety inspection of the road prior to the days when travel is to occur and then provide the applicant with authorisation to do so.

It should also be noted that if a vehicle exceeds the approved load limits and an incident occurs, then any vehicular insurance is voided.

In the interests of public safety, Council may need to consider what alternate restrictions may be necessary should non-compliance with load limits continue to occur.

Increased load limits

Access for increased load limits occurs on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays every week for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne gvm at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration including date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons.

We have found that not all residents taking advantage of the increased load limits are using a UHF radio. The use of a UHF radio is essential to ensure road safety.

Road maintenance

Maintenance grading is continuing and the road has been graded from Blackbird Flat and is currently at Gilky’s Corner. It should be graded to the top of the hill by the end of next week before continuing through to Waterfall Way. Side roads are being graded progressively.

Vegetation mulching, and clearing of the pipe culverts is expected to commence in the coming weeks.

Project updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Update 26 May 2023

Community meeting invitation

Following a meet and greet with Seymour Whyte on Saturday 4 February 2023, a second meeting will be held to provide the community with an overall project update. Also on the agenda will be an opportunity to discuss the feedback provided to Seymour Whyte on the recent community survey and fact sheet as well as advising of the next steps going forward.

An agenda will be provided shortly.

When: Saturday 3 June 2023

Time: 11.30am – 2pm

Where: George’s Junction campground

Sausage sizzle, tea, coffee and water will be provided.

Increased load limits

Access for increased load limits occurs on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays every week for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration including date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link. Please note: the registration form has been updated to provide more information to the project team.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons. We have found that not all residents taking advantage of the increased load limits are using a UHF radio. The use of a UHF radio is essential to ensure road safety.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

We have set up a redirection for all phone inquiries regarding the Kempsey to Armidale Road. All inquiries should be directed to 1300 136 833 and press menu option 1 to speak to the project’s community liaison officer. Alternatively email council@armidale.nsw.gov.au

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Update 28 April 2023

Maintenance work

Grading and potholing work from Blackbird Flat to Lower Creek is continuing.

Grading will also be undertaken from the intersection of Waterfall Way and Kempsey Road to Lower Creek in May. Lower Creek Road will also be graded at the same time.

Vegetation control works will be undertaken when the grading work occurs from the intersection of Waterfall Way and Kempsey Road to Lower Creek in May.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 3, Thursday 4 and Friday 5 May 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Update 20 April 2023

Community survey

An extension to the community survey has been given by Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd. Anyone receiving the survey who hasn’t responded will be able to respond by Friday 28 April 2023.

Also attached is a fact sheet that is being issued by Council on behalf of Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd. Any feedback will be passed onto Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd.

Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd is working with Armidale Regional Council (ARC) and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to finalise the scope for its early construction involvement and the main program of works.

Early works investigations have been carried out over the past month to provide information which will provide a better understanding of what works need to be done prior to the main construction works commencing later this year.

This may include work that will enable acceleration of the construction of the main recovery works to occur by undertaking a range of smaller projects on site ahead of being awarded the collaborative Design and Construction contract.

This list of early construction works, which is still being finalised, may include the continuation of construction of repair of the major downslope slips where temporary repairs have been initiated.

Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd is also currently underway with developing the detailed design for the main construction works.

The 6 Curves contractor has almost finished the scope of works and will soon be moving off-site.

The contractor working on the major temporary downslope slip repairs also will soon be moving off-site until such time that an early construction works contract is finalised and Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd can be mobilised.

Council will continue to undertake maintenance work on the road which includes cleaning out culverts, grading, vegetation removal, installation or removal of signs, installing guideposts, minor bridge maintenance and general pothole maintenance on the gravel and sealed sections.

Project email updates will be provided to residents about maintenance work.

Grading and potholing works are currently underway from Blackbird Flat to Lower Creek.

Grading will also be undertaken from the intersection of Waterfall Way and Kempsey Road to Lower Creek in early May.

Lower Creek Road will also be graded at the same time.

A program for vegetation control works is also being developed.

The load limit on the road will not change in the short-term and remains at 10 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM). Loads greater than 10 tonne GVM on permitted days still need to be registered so that safety inspections can be carried out.

Update on work locations for works from Monday 24 April 2023 up to and including Sunday 30 April 2023.

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM	ROAD OPEN
Flying Fox Cutting			No construction works and road fully open from: Monday 24 April 2023 through to and including Sunday 30 April 2023.
Waterfall Corner			Minor works from Monday 24 April 2023 up to and including Friday 28 April 2023. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations). No construction works and road fully open on Saturday 29 April and Sunday 30 April 2023.
Smith’s Bluff			Minor works from Monday 24 April 2023 up to and including Friday 28 April 2023. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations). No construction works and road fully open on Saturday 29 April and Sunday 30 April 2023.
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge			Minor works from Monday 24 April 2023 up to and including Friday 28 April 2023. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations). No construction works and road fully open on Saturday 29 April and Sunday 30 April 2023.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. If anyone has any questions about the work locations, please call 1300 136 833 and press menu option 1 to speak to the project’s community liaison officer.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 26, Thursday 27 and Friday 28 April 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Update 14 April 2023

Update on work locations for works from Monday 17 April 2023 up to and including Sunday 23 April 2023.

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM	ROAD OPEN
Flying Fox Cutting			No construction works and road fully open from: Monday 17 April 2023 through to and including Sunday 23 April 2023.
Waterfall Corner			Stripping of formwork on Tuesday 18 April 2023 and Thursday 20 April 2023. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations).
Smith’s Bluff			No construction works and road fully open from Monday 17 April through to and including Sunday 23 April 2023.
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge			Culvert and pavement works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations) from: Monday 17 April 2023 until Tuesday 18 April 2023. -------------------------- No construction works and road fully open from: Wednesday 20 April 2023 through to and including Sunday 23 April 2023.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 19, Thursday 20 and Friday 21 April 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Update 6 April 2023

Please find attached flyer from the New England Weeds Authority regarding a weeds and well-being day to be held on Thursday 27 April 2023.

Update on work locations for works from Monday 10 April 2023 up to and including Tuesday 18 April 2023.

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM	ROAD OPEN
Flying Fox Cutting			No construction works and road fully open from: Monday 10 April 2023 through to and including Tuesday 18 April 2023.
Waterfall Corner	Road closed at this location for essential concrete works on: Thursday 13 April 2023.		Preparation for essential concrete works on Wednesday 12 April 2023. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations). Stripping of formwork on Tuesday 18 April 2023. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations).
Smith’s Bluff		Construction work happening on: Wednesday 12 April 2023. Friday 14 April 2023.	No construction works and road fully open from Monday 10 April through to and including Tuesday 18 April 2023 apart from Wednesday 12 April and Friday 14 April 2023 when the road will be closed at this location for construction works from 7am-11.30am and 12.15pm-4pm.
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge			Culvert and pavement works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations) from: Tuesday 11 April 2023 through to and including Friday 14 April 2023. Monday 17 April 2023.. Tuesday 18 April 2023. -------------------------- No construction works and road fully open from: Saturday 15 April 2023through to and including Sunday 16 April 2023.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 12, Thursday 13 and Friday 14 April 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration including date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link. Please note: the registration form has been updated to provide more information to the project team.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons. We have found that not all residents taking advantage of the increased load limits are using a UHF radio. The use of a UHF radio is essential to ensure road safety.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Update 31 March 2023

Update on work locations for works from Monday 3 April 2023 up to and including Sunday 9 April 2023.

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM	ROAD OPEN
Flying Fox Cutting			No construction works and road fully open from: Monday 3 April 2023 through to and including Sunday 9 April 2023.
Smith’s Bluff	Road closed for steel fixing and essential concrete works from: Monday 3 April 2023 through to and including Thursday 6 April 2023.		No construction works and road fully open from: Friday 7 April 2023 through to and including Sunday 9 April 2023.
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge			Culvert and pavement works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations) from Monday 3 April 2023 through to and including Thursday 6 April 2023. ------------------------- No construction works and road fully open from: Friday 7 April 2023 through to and including Sunday 9 April 2023.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 5, Thursday 6 and Friday 7 April 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Traffic alert 27 March 2023

Work is now planned to occur on Thursday 30 March 2023 at Smith’s Bluff from 7am to 11.30am.

This is due to the unexpected availability of concrete.

The work will occur between 7am and 11.30am. The road at this location will be open after 11.30am.

The remaining information in the update sent on 24 March 2023 remains current.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Update 24 March 2023

Update on work locations for works from Monday 27 March 2023 up to and including Sunday 2 April 2023.

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM	ROAD OPEN
Flying Fox Cutting			No construction works and road fully open from: Monday 27 March 2023 through to and including Sunday 2 April 2023.
Smith’s Bluff	Road closed for steel fixing and essential concrete works on: Monday 27 March 2023 Tuesday 28 March 2023.	Steel fixing work and essential concrete work on: Wednesday 29 March 2023	No construction works and road fully open from: Thursday 30 March 2023 through to and including Sunday 2 April 2023.
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge			Culvert and pavement works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations) from Monday 27 March through to and including Friday 31 March 2023. --------------------------- No construction works and road fully open on: Saturday 1 April 2023 Sunday 2 April 2023

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 March 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Update 18 March 2023

Update on work locations for works from Monday 20 March 2023 up to and including Sunday 26 March 2023.

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM	ROAD OPEN
Flying Fox Cutting			No construction works and road fully open on: Monday 20 March 2023 Thursday 23 March 2023 up to and including Sunday 26 March 2023. ------------------------------------- Works will be undertaken at this location on Tuesday 21 March and Wednesday 22 March 2023. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled location)
Smith’s Bluff	Steel fixing work and essential concrete work. Monday 20 March 2023 from 12.15pm to 4pm. Road closed for essential concrete works from: Wednesday 22 March 2023 up to and including Friday 24 March 2023.	Steel fixing work and essential concrete work on: Tuesday 21 March 2023 Saturday 25 March 2023 Sunday 26 March 2023	Road open until 12.15pm on Monday 20 March 2023.
Waterfall Corner	.		Works will be undertaken at this location on Sunday 26 March 2023. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled location)
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge			Culvert and pavement works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations) from Monday 20 March through to and including Friday 24 March 2023. --------------------------- No construction works and road fully open on: Saturday 25 March 2023 Sunday 26 March 2023

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 22, Thursday 23 and Friday 24 March 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Traffic alert 13 March 2023

Concrete work planned for Waterfall Corner tomorrow Tuesday 14 March 2023 has been cancelled.

The work would have resulted in a road closure at that location for construction works from 7am to 4pm.

The cancellation is due to an electrical failure with a generator to the concrete pump.

We will notify you when the work is to be re-scheduled.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 10 March 2023

Update on work locations for works from Monday 13 March 2023 up to and including Sunday 19 March 2023.

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM	ROAD OPEN
Flying Fox Cutting			No construction works and road fully open from: Monday 13 March through to and including Sunday 19 March 2023.
Smith’s Bluff	Concrete work. Monday 13 March 2023.		No construction works and road fully open on: Tuesday 14 March through to and including Sunday 19 March 2023
Waterfall Corner	Concrete work. Tuesday 14 March 2023.		No construction works and road fully open on: Monday 13 March Wednesday 15 March through to and including Sunday 19 March 2023.
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge			Culvert and pavement works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations) from Monday 13 March through to and including Friday 17 March 2023. --------------------------- No construction works and road fully open on: Saturday 18 March 2023 Sunday 19 March 2023
Big Hill			Test anchor drilling works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled location) from Monday 13 March through to and including Wednesday 15 March 2023.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 15, Thursday 16 and Friday 17 March 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

TRAFFIC ALERT: 7 March 2023

The following table details works at Flying Fox Cutting and Big Hill which may cause minor traffic delays:

LOCATION	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM	ROAD OPEN
Flying Fox Cutting			Test anchor drilling works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled location) from Wednesday 8 March through to and including Friday 10 March 2023.
Big Hill			Test anchor drilling works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled location) from Friday 10 March through to and including Wednesday 15 March 2023.

LOCATION

ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM

ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM

ROAD OPEN

Flying Fox Cutting

Test anchor drilling works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled location) from

Wednesday 8 March through to and including Friday 10 March 2023.

Big Hill

Test anchor drilling works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled location) from

Friday 10 March through to and including Wednesday 15 March 2023.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 3 March 2023

Update on work locations for works from Monday 6 March 2023 up to and including Sunday 12 March 2023.

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM	ROAD OPEN
Flying Fox Cutting			No construction works and road fully open from: Monday 6 March through to and including Sunday 12 March 2023.
Smith’s Bluff	Concrete work. From Wednesday 8 March through to and including Friday 10 March 2023.	Preparation for concrete work. Tuesday 7 March 2023 Saturday 11 March 2023 Sunday 12 March 2023	No construction works and road fully open on: Monday 6 March 2023
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge			Culvert and pavement works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations) from Monday 6 March through to and including Friday 10 March 2023. --------------------------- No construction works and road fully open on: Saturday 11 March 2023 Sunday 12 March 2023

Project representatives and representatives of Seymour Whyte have almost completed their drone investigations and assessment of the road.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 8, Thursday 9 and Friday 10 March 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 28 February 2023

Road status following recent heavy rain

An inspection of the road was carried out yesterday. Regular monitoring is being carried out in terms of new damage to the road.

Update on Smith’s Bluff work for tomorrow, Wednesday 1 March 2023, up to and including Thursday 2 March 2023.

The contractor working on the land slip at Smith’s Bluff has extended their current roster to enable further steel fixing work to occur at this location.

On Wednesday 1 March 2023, the contractor will be working from 7am until 4pm. The road will be closed at this location for the construction works from 7am-11.30am and 12.15pm-4pm.

On Thursday 2 March 2023, the contractor will be working from 7am until 11am.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 24 February 2023

LiveTraffic update

Transport for NSW's LiveTraffic site has been updated to advise that the Kempsey to Armidale Road is closed.

LiveTraffic is used by travellers to provide real-time information about roads and changed traffic conditions that affect their journey on roads throughoutNSW.

Council has updated the status of the road to deter non-residents from using the road.

This was a clear message from residents at the community meeting held on Saturday 4 February 2023 that action needed to be taken.

Markers on LiveTraffic have been placed on the road at the Blackbird Flat Reserve Campsite and at the intersection of Kempsey Road and Styx River Forest Way.

Do not be alarmed - the road is not closed to residents of the road. The road remains open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services. Access restrictions still apply.

If there are obstructions on the road or damage such as new land slips or fallen trees that require temporary closure of the road, we will notify you by a traffic alert email update as soon as possible.

UPDATE: 24 February 2023

Road status following recent heavy rain

Inspections of the road have been carried out over the past two days following heavy rainfall on the project. There has been new damage to the road. As a result, Council has closed the western gate which is closed but not locked. Residents can travel to and from Armidale but are asked to close the gates after passing through.

There have been several rock falls, fallen trees and some downslope slips occur. Extreme caution is required if using this road at this time and therefore it is important that the gates remain closed.

It would be appreciated that further damage is reported so that Council can assess the situation and provide traffic updates.

A further update will be provided following an inspection which will be carried out on Monday 27 February 2023.

Update on work locations for works from Monday 27 February 2023 up to and including Sunday 5 March 2023.

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM	ROAD OPEN
Flying Fox Cutting			No construction works and road fully open from: Monday 27 February through to and including Sunday 5 March 2023.
Smith’s Bluff	Mesh installation work. From Monday 27 February through to and including Tuesday 28 February 2023.		No construction works and road fully open on: Wednesday 1 March through to and including Sunday 5 March 2023.
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge			Culvert and pavement works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations) from Monday 27 February through to and including Friday 3 March 2023. No construction works and road fully open on: Saturday 4 March 2023 Sunday 5 March 2023

Project representatives and representatives of Seymour Whyte will continue to be working along the alignment to assess the works completed under the road recovery project as well as the condition of the road. Various locations along the road will be pegged and drones will be used to support the investigations and assessment of the road.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 1, Thursday 2 and Friday 3 March 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 17 February 2023

Update on work locations for works from Monday 20 February 2023 up to and including Sunday 26 February 2023.

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM	ROAD OPEN
Flying Fox Cutting			No construction works and road fully open from: Monday 20 February through to and including Sunday 26 February 2023.
Smith’s Bluff	Mesh installation work. From Tuesday 21 February through to and including Friday 24 February 2023.	Mesh installation work. Saturday 25 February and Sunday 26 February 2023.	No construction works and road fully open on: Monday 20 February 2023.
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge			No construction works and road fully open on: Saturday 25 February 2023 Sunday 26 February 2023 Culvert and pavement works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie. expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations) from Monday 20 February through to and including Friday 24 February 2023.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 22, Thursday 23 and Friday 24 February 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons. We have found that not all residents taking advantage of the increased load limits are using a UHF radio. The use of a UHF radio is essential to ensure road safety.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents of the road for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 10 February 2023

Update on work locations for works from Saturday 11 February 2023 up to and including Sunday 19 February 2023.

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM	ROAD OPEN
Flying Fox Cutting	General construction with concrete works. Monday 13 February 2023 Tuesday 14 February 2023.	General construction works. Saturday 11 February 2023 Sunday 12 February 2023 Wednesday 15 February 2023.	No construction works occurring Thursday 16 through to and including Sunday 19 February 2023.
Smith’s Bluff		Soil nail stabilisation work. From Saturday 11 February 2023 through to and including Wednesday 15 February 2023.	No construction works occurring Thursday 16 through to and including Sunday 19 February 2023.
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge			No construction works and road fully open on: Saturday 11 February 2023 Sunday 12 February 2023 Saturday 18 February 2023 Sunday 19 February 2023 Culvert works are being undertaken. The road will be open at this location with traffic control (ie . expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations) on: Monday 13 February through to and including Friday 17 February 2023.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 15, Thursday 16 and Friday 17 February 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons. We have found that not all residents taking advantage of the increased load limits are using a UHF radio. The use of a UHF radio is essential to ensure road safety.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

INCREASED LOAD LIMITS CALENDAR February 2023 (PDF 859.5KB)

KEMPSEY ROAD PROJECT MAP (PDF 4.1MB)

UPDATE: 3 February 2023

Update on work locations for works up to and including Friday 10 February 2023

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM to 4PM	ROAD IS CLOSED AT THIS LOCATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 7AM-11.30AM AND 12.15PM TO 4PM	ROAD OPEN
Flying Fox Cutting	General construction with concrete works. Tuesday 7 February 2023 through to and including Friday 10 February 2023.	General construction works. Monday 6 February 2023.	No construction works being performed on Saturday 4 or Sunday 5 February 2023.
Smith’s Bluff		Soil nail stabilisation work Monday 6 February through to and including Friday 10 February 2023.	No construction works being performed on Saturday 4 or Sunday 5 February 2023.
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge	Installation of a 900mm stormwater culvert at Curve 2. Monday 6 February 2023.		The culvert contractor on the 6 curves works from Mondays to Fridays. The road will be open at this location with traffic control. Expect minor delays at the traffic-controlled locations. Tuesday 7 February through to and including Friday 10 February 2023.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 8, Thursday 9 and Friday 10 February 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons. We have found that not all residents taking advantage of the increased load limits are using a UHF radio. The use of a UHF radio is essential to ensure road safety.

Reminder: A community meeting will be held tomorrow Saturday 4 February at the George’s Junction campground from 11.30am to 2pm. Come and meet and greet representatives of the Seymour Whyte team and Armidale Regional Council and enjoy a sausage sizzle.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

URGENT TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: 27 January 2023

Update on work locations

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	OPERATING STATUS	ROAD CLOSURES 7am to 4pm
Flying Fox Cutting	Road closed for essential concrete works to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site On other days: OPEN before 7am and after 4pm with traffic window between 11.30am and 12.15pm	Tuesday 31 January 2023
Smith’s Bluff	Concrete works will not be happening on Tuesday 31 January 2023. OPEN before 7am and after 4pm with traffic window between 11.30am and 12.15pm
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge	Road closed due to installation of a 900mm stormwater culvert at Curve 2 between 9am and 4pm On other days: OPEN with minor delays	Wednesday 1 to Friday 3 February 2023

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 26 January 2023

Update on work locations

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	OPERATING STATUS	ROAD CLOSURES 7am to 4pm
Smith’s Bluff	Road closed for essential concrete works to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site On other days: OPEN before 7am and after 4pm with traffic window between 11.30am and 12.15pm	Tuesday 31 January 2023
Flying Fox Cutting	OPEN before 7am and after 4pm with traffic window between 11.30am and 12.15pm
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge	OPEN with minor delays	None

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 1, Thursday 2 and Friday 3 February 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons. We have found that not all residents taking advantage of the increased load limits are using a UHF radio. The use of a UHF radio is essential to ensure road safety.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 20 January 2023

Update on work locations

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	OPERATING STATUS	ROAD CLOSURES 7am to 4pm
Smith’s Bluff	Road closed for essential concrete works to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site On other days: OPEN before 7am and after 4pm with traffic window between 11.30am and 12.15pm	Friday 27 January 2023
Flying Fox Cutting	OPEN before 7am and after 4pm with traffic window between 11.30am and 12.15pm
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge	OPEN with minor delays	None

Project representatives and representatives of Seymour Whyte will be working along the alignment for a few weeks to assess the works completed under the road recovery project as well as the condition of the road. Various locations along the road will be pegged and drones will be used to support the investigations and assessment of the road.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 25, Thursday 26 and Friday 27 January 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons. We have found that not all residents taking advantage of the increased load limits are using a UHF radio. The use of a UHF radio is essential to ensure road safety.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 13 January 2023

Update on work locations

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	OPERATING STATUS	ROAD CLOSURES 7am to 4pm
Smith’s Bluff	Road closed for essential concrete works to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site On other days: OPEN before 7am and after 4pm with traffic window between 11.30am and 12.15pm	Monday 16 January 2023
Flying Fox Cutting	Road closed for essential concrete works to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site On other days: OPEN before 7am and after 4pm with traffic window between 11.30am and 12.15pm	Tuesday 17 January 2023
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge	OPEN with minor delays	None

Project representatives and representatives of Seymour Whyte will be working along the alignment from Friday 20 January 2023 for a few weeks to assess the works completed under the road recovery project as well as the condition of the road. Various locations along the road will be pegged and drones will be used to support the investigations and assessment of the road.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 18, Thursday 19 and Friday 20 January 2023 for inducted registered persons only.

The road is restricted to 10 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons. We have found that not all residents taking advantage of the increased load limits are using a UHF radio. The use of a UHF radio is essential to ensure road safety.

Due to the Australia Day holiday on 26 January 2023, the Kempsey cattle sales will be held on Tuesday 24 January 2023 instead of on 26 January 2023.

If you believe that you want to take advantage of the sale on Tuesday 24 January 2023, please call 1300 136 833 and press menu option 1 to speak to the project’s community liaison officer. Alternatively email council@armidale.nsw.gov.au so that a change to the usual increased load limit days and subsequent road safety inspections can be made accordingly.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

IMPORTANT TRAFFIC ALERT 11 January 2023:

Increased load limits up to 10 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) along the full length of the road from the gates at the top of Big Hill through to the Kempsey Shire boundary

Following geotechnical site inspections in December 2022 and a subsequent report to Council, we have implemented the following recommendations:

That the weight limit on the road be increased to 10 tonne GVM on a full-time basis unless it becomes necessary to impose road restrictions due to severe wet conditions in the future
That increased load limits up to 20 tonne GVM be allowed along the full length of the road from the gates at the top of Big Hill through to the Kempsey Shire boundary including through Flying Fox Cutting on days when increased load limits are permitted and a safety inspection of the road has been conducted.

The recommendations follow the remediation of high-risk sites at Flying Fox Cutting and between George’s Junction and Waterfall Corner.

We will continue to frequently monitor the road for signs of tension cracking and dilapidation.

We are aware of some unauthorised vehicles with increased load limits using the road.

As a result, we will be increasing our surveillance of traffic movements.

Any breaches may result in the increased load limits being reduced or that traffic movements greater than 10 tonne GVM may need to be carried out under escort.

Road users will continue to be notified of any hazards and construction and maintenance activities.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 6 January 2023

Update on work locations

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	OPERATING STATUS	ROAD CLOSURES 7am to 4pm
Smith’s Bluff	Road closed for essential concrete works to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site	Wednesday 11 January Thursday 12 January Friday 13 January
Flying Fox Cutting	OPEN before 7am and after 4pm with traffic window between 11.30am and 12.15pm	None
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge	OPEN with minor delays	None

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 11, Thursday 12 and Friday 13 January 2023 to the west and east of Flying Fox cutting for inducted registered persons only.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting at this time.

The road is restricted to 4.3 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

TRAFFIC ALERT: 23 December 2022

Roller recovery

The project today will be recovering a roller which overturned at Curve 5 west of Middle Creek bridge last Saturday.

Traffic control will be in place. Motorists should expect some delays.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Kempsey Road Project Update - December 2022 (PDF 3.6MB)

Update on work locations

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	OPERATING STATUS	ROAD CLOSURES 7am to 4pm
Flying Fox Cutting	Road closed between 7am and 4pm with traffic window between 11:30am and 12:15pm. Road open from Thursday 22 December after 4pm	Monday 19 December
Smith’s Bluff	OPEN	None
George’s Junction to Lower Creek	OPEN with minor delays	None

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 21, Thursday 22 and Friday 23 December 2022 to the west and east of Flying Fox cutting for inducted registered persons only.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting at this time.

The road is restricted to 4.3 tonne GVM at all other times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons.

Increased load limits will continue to be available over Christmas-New Year. A January 2023 calendar regarding workers’ shifts will be provided once this has been confirmed.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 9 December 2022

Update on work locations

As per the December 2022 calendar issued on 18 November 2022, the contractors are working an extended shift until Friday 16 December 2022. The contractors will have a day off on Saturday 17 December 2022 and will return to work on Sunday 18 December until Wednesday 21 December 2022. This is to allow as much work as possible to occur before the Christmas-New Year break.

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	WORKS	TRAFFIC IMPACTS
Flying Fox Cutting	Essential concrete works will be undertaken at this location on Monday 12, Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 December 2022. The road will be closed to allow concrete trucks to safely access the site.	Monday 12, Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 December 2022: road closed. Traffic will only be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm.
George’s Junction to Flying Fox Cutting	Maintenance work.	Grading will be undertaken along this section of the road. Please proceed with caution through the work zone.
Smith’s Bluff	Work is continuing at this location.	Traffic is able to pass through before 7am, between 11.30am and 12.15pm, and after 4pm.
George’s Junction to west of Middle Creek bridge	Pavement works will be undertaken at this location.	Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 14, Thursday 15 and Friday 16 December 2022 to the west and east of Flying Fox Cutting between 7am and 4pm.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction site.

The road is currently restricted to local traffic with a 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) limit except on days when only inducted and authorised people will be able to drive on the road with vehicles and loads greater than 4.3 tonnes GVM and less than 20 tonnes GVM. This is only following a safety inspection of the road and when they are notified that conditions are acceptable.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration setting out the date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link. Please note: the registration form has been updated to provide more information to the project team.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons. We have recently adopted protocols for UHF radio use. The approved protocols are attached.

Increased load limits will continue to be available over Christmas-New Year. A January 2023 calendar regarding workers’ shifts will be provided once this has been confirmed.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 7 December 2022

Traffic alert update on Flying Fox Cutting essential concrete works

We apologise for the late notice but, due to the limited availability of trucks for essential concrete works this week at Flying Fox Cutting, the works will not occur today Wednesday 7 December or tomorrow Thursday 8 December 2022.

Traffic will be able to pass through the work location before 7am, between 11.30am and 12.15pm, and after 4pm.

The essential concrete works will go ahead as planned on Friday 9 December 2022, which will require the road to be closed at this location.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

As per the December 2022 calendar issued on 18 November 2022, the contractors are working an extended shift from Monday 5 December until Friday 16 December 2022. This is to allow as much work as possible to occur before the Christmas-New Year break.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 1 December 2022

Update on work locations

The following table details works at various locations along the project until the next email update:

LOCATION	WORKS	TRAFFIC IMPACTS
Curve 2 near Waterfall Corner	Pipes need to continue to be installed at this location on Monday 5 December and Tuesday 6 December 2022.	Monday 5 December 2022: road closed. Traffic will only be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm. Tuesday 6 December 2022: Expect minor delays.
Smith’s Bluff	Essential concrete works will be undertaken at this location on Tuesday 6 December 2022. The road will be closed to allow concrete trucks to safely access the site.	Tuesday 6 December 2022: road closed. Traffic will only be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm.
Flying Fox Cutting	Essential concrete works will be undertaken at this location on Wednesday 7, Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December 2022. The road will be closed to allow concrete trucks to safely access the site.	Wednesday 7, Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December 2022: road closed. Traffic will only be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm.
Curve 4 to the east of Waterfall Corner	Work is continuing at this location.	Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Traffic is able to pass through the work locations before 7am, between 11.30am and 12.15pm, and after 4pm, except on days when the road at these locations is closed as detailed above.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 7, Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December 2022 to the west and east of Flying Fox Cutting between 7am and 4pm.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction site.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons.

Increased load limits will continue to be available over Christmas-New Year. A January 2023 calendar regarding workers’ shifts will be provided once this has been confirmed.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

TRAFFIC ALERT: 28 November 2022

Update on work locations:

Curve 2 near Waterfall Corner: Pipes need to continue to be installed at this location tomorrow, Tuesday 29 November 2022. These works will require a road closure. Traffic will only be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 25 November 2022

Update on work locations:

Gilky’s corner: If stabilisation works continue at this location next week, traffic control measures will be in place and some delays may be experienced.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 24 November 2022

Seymour Whyte was accepted by Armidale Regional Council at yesterday’s monthly Council meeting as the preferred tenderer for the award of the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) Deed and Early Works Contract for the Kempsey to Armidale Road and three improvement works projects.

This will be Council’s single largest project to be delivered.

The award of the ECI Deed will allow Seymour Whyte to progress detailed design and also undertake early works on site such as additional site survey, any geotechnical investigations required and any other preparatory works ahead of the main construction works being undertaken.

The early works will be undertaken ahead of Seymour Whyte being awarded the design and construct contract next year.

The design and construct contract is for the restoration of 43km of the Kempsey to Armidale Road and 5.1km of Lower Creek Road back to pre-disaster condition.

The three improvement project works are:

Blackbird Flat Project (0.55 km)
Flying Fox Cutting Project (1.85km)
Big Hill Section (3 curves)

A link is provided below to the Seymour Whyte home page:

https://seymourwhyte.com.au/

Update on work locations:

Please see the following schedule for works at various locations along the project:

Curve 2 near Waterfall Corner: Pipes need to be installed at this location on Monday 28 and possibly Tuesday 29 November 2022. These works will require a road closure. Traffic will only be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm. We will advise you if the road closure on Tuesday 29 November 2022 is not necessary.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Gilky’s corner: Stabilisation and formwork works will continue at this location this week. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am, between 11.30am and 12.15pm and after 4pm.

Curve 4 to the east of Waterfall Corner: Work is continuing at this location. Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

Smith’s Bluff: Stabilisation and formwork works are continuing at this location. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am, between 11.30am and 12.15pm and after 4pm.

Flying Fox Cutting: works are continuing at this location. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am, between 11.30am and 12.15pm and after 4pm.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 30 November and Thursday 1 and Friday 2 December 2022 to the west and east of Flying Fox Cutting between 7am and 4pm.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction site.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons.

Increased load limits will continue to be available over Christmas-New Year. A January 2023 calendar regarding workers’ shifts will be provided once this has been confirmed.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 17 November 2022

Update on work locations:

Please see the following schedule for works at various locations along the project:

Gilky’s corner: Essential concrete work will be undertaken at this location on Tuesday 22 November 2022. The concrete pours need the road to be closed at this location to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Curve 4 to the east of Waterfall Corner: Work is continuing at this location. Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

Curve 2 near Waterfall Corner: Stormwater pits will soon need to be installed at this location. These works will require a road closure. Residents will be notified in advance of when these works will occur.

Smith’s Bluff: Stabilisation works are continuing at this location.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 23, Thursday 24 and Friday 25 November to the west and east of Flying Fox Cutting between 7am and 4pm.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction site.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration setting out the date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons.

Change to the travel window: A reminder that on Monday 21 November 2022, the traffic window will change from 9am-9:30am to 11:30am-12:15pm.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

TRAFFIC ALERT: 14 November 2022

Update on work locations:

Smith’s Bluff: Essential concrete works that were planned for Smith’s Bluff tomorrow Tuesday 15 November 2022 will now not be occurring due to works being completed ahead of schedule.

Traffic will be now be able to pass through before 7am, between 9am and 9.30am and after 4pm at this location.

Change to the travel window: A reminder that on Monday 21 November 2022, the traffic window will change from 9am-9:30am to 11:30am-12:15pm.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE: 10 November 2022

Update on work locations:

Please see the following schedule for works at various locations along the project.

Gilky’s corner: Stabilisation works will continue at this location. Traffic control measures will be in place and some delays may be experienced.

Curve 4 to the east of Waterfall Corner: Work is continuing at this location. Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

The following works will require a FULL ROAD CLOSURE between 7am and 4pm on each occasion.

Curve 2 near Waterfall Corner: Essential geotechnical works will be undertaken Wednesday 16 November 2022.

Smith’s Bluff: Essential concrete work will be undertaken at this location on Monday 14 November 2022 and Tuesday 15 November 2022.

The concrete pours need the road to be closed at these locations to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Increased load limits:

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 16, Thursday 17 and Friday 18 November to the west and east of Flying Fox Cutting between 7am and 4pm.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction site.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration setting out the date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons.

Change to the travel window: A reminder that on Monday 21 November 2022, the traffic window will change from 9am-9:30am to 11:30am-12:15pm.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

Update November 2022 - Load limits and vehicle restrictions and changes to the traffic window, please see the document below for further details;

Kempsey Road Project Update November 2022 (PDF 811.9KB)

UPDATE 2 November 2022

Update on work locations:

Please see the following schedule for works at various locations along the project.

Gilky’s corner: Stabilisation works will commence at this location on Tuesday 8 November 2022. Traffic control measures will be in place and some delays may be experienced.

Curve 3 near Waterfall Corner: Culvert work is continuing at this location. Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

The following works will require a full road closure between 7am and 4pm on each occasion.

Flying Fox Cutting: Essential concrete work will be undertaken at this location on Thursday 10 November 2022 and Friday 11 November 2022.

Smith’s Bluff: Essential concrete work will be undertaken at this location on Wednesday 9 November 2022.

The concrete pours need the road to be closed at these locations to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm only on these days.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Increased load limits

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 9, Thursday 10 and Friday 11 November to the west and east of Flying Fox Cutting between 7am and 4.30pm.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction site.

The road is currently restricted to local traffic with a 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) limit except on days when only inducted and authorised people will be able to drive on the road with vehicles and loads greater than 4.3 tonnes GVM and less than 20 tonnes GVM. This is only following a safety inspection of the road and when they are notified that conditions are acceptable.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration setting out the date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 30 October 2022

Update on work locations:

Apologies for the late notice but further to the work email update provided on Friday 28 October 2022:

Flying Fox Cutting: the project has had concrete supply issues for tomorrow Monday 31 October f2022 or this location. Instead, the concrete pours will occur on Tuesday 1 November 2022. The concrete pours need the road to be closed at this location to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm only on these days.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please note: The project is encountering problems with the security of concrete supplies due to the needs of competing clients of the concrete suppliers and the remoteness of the project.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

TRAFFIC ALERT – CHANGE TO TRAFFIC WINDOW

28 October 2022

A traffic window from 9:00 am – 9:30am has been in place on the project since May 2022.

Following representation to Armidale Regional Council (ARC) by the Lower Creek Local Area Committee, ARC has made the decision to change the traffic window from 9:00am – 9:30am to 11:30am – 12:15pm from Monday 21 November 2022 to coincide with the contractor’s shift change.

This is in line with lunch breaks for the contractors and the possibility that this will increase productivity for the contractors.

We recognise that there may be cumulative traffic delay impacts from other roadworks within the Kempsey Shire Council and on Waterfall Way. As such, the following information is provided:

Kempsey Shire Council provides a weekly works update on its website. Link provided below. The Council also has a community e-newsletter database. Call 02 6566 3200 from 9:am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday to be included in the e-newsletter on the database or email ksc@kempsey.nsw.gov.au

https://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/Your-Valley/Ongoing-works-in-the-shire/Weekly-Works-Update

Waterfall Way: Transport for NSW (TfNSW) provides information on its website. Link to the project website provided below.

https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/waterfall-way/index.html

TfNSW also posts regularly on the Waterfall Way Community Facebook page. Link to the Facebook page provided below.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/waterfallwaycommunity/posts/3185982328378728/

We have set up a redirection for all phone inquiries regarding the Kempsey to Armidale Road. All inquiries should be directed to 1300 136 833 and press menu option 1 to speak to the project’s community Liaison Officer. Alternatively email council@armidale.nsw.gov.au

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 28 October 2022

Apologies for the notice but further to the work email update provided this afternoon:

Flying Fox Cutting: the project has managed to secure concrete supply on Monday 31 October for this location. As such, the concrete pours need the road to be closed at this location to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm only on these days.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 28 October 2022

Update on work locations:

Big Hill: there will be no work at this location next week. Rock testing has been completed.

Gilky’s corner: culvert work will occur at this location next Wednesday 2 November 2022. The work requires the road to be closed at this location to enable the work to occur. The essential work means that increased load limits will not be available on this day to the west to Armidale.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Smith’s Bluff: Work will continue at this location next week. Traffic is able to pass through before 7am, between 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm except on days when essential concrete may occur. We will notify you in advance if concrete work is to occur.

Waterfall Corner: Intermittent essential concrete work will be undertaken at this location from Monday 31 October until Thursday November 2022, weather permitting. Delays of up to an hour may be experienced.

Flying Fox Cutting: Work will continue at this location next week from Monday 31 October until Thursday 3 November 2022. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am, between 9-9.30 and after 4pm.

Curve 3 near Waterfall Corner: Culvert work is continuing at this location. Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

Signs advising of road closures due to culvert and concrete works will be installed at the sites in advance of when this work is occurring. This is to ensure motorists are advised of the road closures.

Increased load limits

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 2, Thursday 3 and Friday 4 November 2022 to the west and east of Flying Fox Cutting between 7am and 4.30pm, except on Wednesday 2 November 2022 to the west to Armidale due to the culvert works at Gilky’s Corner.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction site.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration setting out the date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency and essential services only. Access restrictions still apply.

We recognise that there may be cumulative traffic delay impacts from other roadworks within the Kempsey Shire Council and on Waterfall Way. As such, the following information is provided:

Kempsey Shire Council provides a weekly works update on its website. Link provided below. The Council also has a community e-newsletter database. Call 02 6566 3200 from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday to be included on the database or email ksc@kempsey.nsw.gov.au

Weekly works update - Kempsey Shire Council working with the Macleay Valley community (nsw.gov.au)

Waterfall Way: Transport for NSW (TfNSW) provides information on its website. Link to the project website provided below.

https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/waterfall-way/index.html

TfNSW also posts regularly on the Waterfall Way Community Facebook page. Link to the Facebook page provided below.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/waterfallwaycommunity

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE REGARDING URGENT TRAFFIC ALERT Thursday 27 October 2022

Road re-opened at Smith’s Bluff: Police have now resolved the matter and the issue has been addressed.

The barriers have been removed and the road is open for the usual access.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

URGENT TRAFFIC ALERT Thursday 27 October 2022

Smith’s Bluff: Potential unidentified explosives have been found at the work site at Smith’s Bluff.

Work at the location has ceased.

Police will investigate and the road will be closed until their investigation is completed and the project notified that it is safe to resume work.

Barriers will be placed on either side of the site to prevent access. There is to be no form of access across this site until advised otherwise, this includes pedestrian traffic.

Please check the website or your emails for updates as the situation changes.

We have set up a redirection for all phone inquiries regarding the Kempsey to Armidale Road. All inquiries should be directed to 1300 136 833 and press menu option 1 to speak to the project’s community liaison officer.

Alternatively email: council@armidale.nsw.gov.au

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS

FACT SHEETS

PROJECT UPDATE

TRAFFIC ALERT Tuesday 18 October 2022

Waterfall Corner: Essential concrete work was planned to be undertaken at this location yesterday Monday 17 October 2022.

Due to supply issues, this work has now been delayed until tomorrow Wednesday 19 October 2022.

Delays of up to an hour may be experienced at this location.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 14 October 2022

Update on work locations:

Big Hill: rock testing will continue at this location for about another week. The testing involves drilling holes to determine the location of rock and its strength. Traffic control measures will be in place and delays of up to 15 minutes may be experienced.

Gilky’s corner: rock testing has started at the downslope slip at this location. The testing involves drilling holes to determine the location of rock and its strength. Traffic control measures will be in place and delays of up to 15 minutes may be experienced.

Smith’s Bluff: Essential concrete work will be undertaken at this location on Monday 17 October 2022. Concrete pours need the road to be closed at this location to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm only on this day.

Waterfall Corner: Essential concrete work will be undertaken at this location on Monday 17 October 2022. Delays of up to an hour may be experienced at this location.

Flying Fox Cutting: Essential concrete work will be undertaken at this location on Tuesday 18 October 2022. Concrete pours need the road to be closed at this location to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm only on these days.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Curve 3 near Waterfall Corner: Culvert work is continuing at this location. Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

When the contractor is working, except when essential concrete work is being undertaken, traffic is able to pass through Flying Fox Cutting and Smith’s Bluff before 7am, between 9-9.30am and after 4pm.

Further essential concrete pours will be required which will need road closures. We will notify you in advance of these closures.

Increased load limits

Access for increased load limits will occur from midday on Wednesday 19 and on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 October 2022 to the east of Flying Fox Cutting between 7am and 4.30pm.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction site.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration setting out the date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons.

New blue and white signage has been installed to improve communications between residents accessing the increased load limits.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 7 October 2022

Update on work locations:

Big Hill: rock testing will begin at this location from Monday 10 October 2022 for about two weeks. The testing involves drilling holes to determine the location of rock and its strength. Traffic control measures will be in place and delays of up to 15 minutes may be experienced.

Smith’s Bluff: Essential concrete work will be undertaken at this location on Wednesday 12, Thursday 13, Friday 14 and Monday 17 October 2022. Concrete pours need the road to be closed at this location to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site.

Waterfall Corner: Essential concrete work will be undertaken at this location on Friday 14, Saturday 15 and Monday 17 October 2022. Delays of up to an hour may be experienced at this location.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Curve 3 near Waterfall Corner: Culvert work is continuing at this location. Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

Further essential concrete pours will be required which will need road closures. We will notify you in advance of these closures.

Increased load limits

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 12, Thursday 13 and Friday 14 October 2022 to the west of Flying Fox Cutting between 7am and 4.30pm.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction site.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration setting out the date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons.

New blue and white signage has been installed to improve communications between residents accessing the increased load limits.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 29 September 2022

Increased load limits

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 5, Thursday 6 and Friday 7 October to the east and west of Flying Fox Cutting.

Access for increased load limits to the east of Flying Fox Cutting will occur on Wednesday 5 October from midday and on Thursday 6 October and on Friday 7 October between 7am and 4.30pm.

Access for increased load limits to the west of Flying Fox Cutting also will occur on Wednesday 5, Thursday 6 and Friday 7 October between 7am and 4.30pm.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction site.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration setting out the date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates to enable the road to be inspected. Registration can be completed by following the above link.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in.

UHF signs have been installed to improve communications between residents accessing the increased load limits.

Update on current work locations

Culvert work is occurring at Curve 3 near Waterfall Corner. Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

Essential concrete work at Flying Fox Cutting will occur on Wednesday 5 October and Thursday 6 October 2022.

Concrete pours need the road to be closed at this location to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm only on these days.

An essential concrete pour is also planned for Waterfall Corner on Tuesday 4 October 2022.

Concrete pours need the road to be closed at this location to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm only on this day.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

We have emailed a calendar setting out the contractor’s work dates previously but it is attached again. When the contractor is working, traffic is able to pass through Flying Fox Cutting and Smith’s Bluff before 7am, between 9-9.30am and after 4pm.

Further essential concrete pours are planned which will require road closures. We will notify you in advance of these closures.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 26 September 2022

Increased load limits

Access for increased load limits will occur on Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 and Friday 30 September 2022 to the east and west of Flying Fox Cutting between 7am and 4.30pm.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction sites.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration setting out the date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in for safety reasons.

New blue and white signage has been installed to improve communications between residents accessing the increased load limits.

Recent heavy rains caused a landslip at Flying Fox Cutting from the embankment above the road. Council worked on Friday September 23 2022 to carry out emergency works to clear the road. There was a further landslip on Saturday September 24 2022 which resulted in further work to clear the road again. While there is a load limit of 4.3 tonnes for local traffic, we have no choice but to bring in appropriate equipment to deal with these emergency situations to ensure access is restored.

We have a duty of care and a legislated responsibility to ensure the road is safe for essential travel for residents and emergency services. This is a consideration informed and based on assessment and advice provided by geotechnical consultants. Council will continue to monitor the road regularly, especially following heavy rainfall events, and will advise residents and other road users when these events cause road closures.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

TRAFFIC ALERT 25 September 2022

Landslip at Flying Fox Cutting

The landslip at Flying Fox Cutting has been cleared.

When work is occurring at this location, traffic is allowed through before 7am, between 9-9.30am, and after 4pm.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction site.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

TRAFFIC ALERT 23 September 2022

Landslip at Flying Fox Cutting

With the recent rain, a landslip has occurred at Flying Fox Cutting. We are working to clear it.

In the meantime, the road is closed at this location until further notice.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 20 September 2022

Mail delivery options

We have been working with Australia Post to find an alternative solution to just delivering mail to the Bellbrook Local Post Office (LPO).

Australia Post stopped delivering mail to the Wollomombi General Store due to the number of complaints received from residents about the lateness of the mail. It is also noted that correspondence was received regarding the time taken for some residents to travel to the Bellbrook LPO and return home.

Australia Post has agreed to service a central location for postal deliveries to reduce travel times for residents. This will involve the establishment of letterboxes at Blackbird Flat for those residents wishing to take advantage of this option.

Due to Australia Post’s inability to coordinate deliveries during any half-hour traffic windows through the works and return to the Kempsey Mail Distribution Centre, a location at Lower Creek is not viable. The Blackbird Flat location significantly reduces travel times to access mail.

The location is outside the project works and unaffected by construction. It will provide ongoing benefit during the Main Recovery Works set to commence in the second quarter of 2023 and will not require relocation.

We are in the process of informing the community of their opportunity to participate in this arrangement so that procurement activities and installation can commence.

Increased load limits

Access for increased load limits will occur tomorrow Wednesday 21, Thursday 22 and Friday 23 September 2022 to the east and west of Flying Fox Cutting between 7am and 4.30pm. The Kempsey sale yards have can confirmed that a sale will occur on Thursday 22 September 2022, the National Day of Mourning for the Queen.

Access for increased load limits to the east of Flying Fox Cutting will occur on Wednesday 21 September from midday, on Thursday 22 September and on Friday 23 September 2022 between 7am and 4.30pm.

Access for increased load limits to the west of Flying Fox Cutting also will occur on Wednesday 21 September, Thursday 22 September and on Friday 23 September 2022 between 7am and 4.30pm.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction sites.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration setting out the date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in.

UHF signs are being installed to improve communications between residents accessing the increased load limits.

Update on current work locations

Culvert work is continuing at Curve 6 near Middle Creek bridge. Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

Essential concrete work, which was delayed at Flying Fox Cutting due to the National Day of Mourning for the Queen, is now planned to occur on Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 and Friday 30 September 2022.

A further concrete pour is also planned for this location on Wednesday 5 October 2022.

Concrete pours need the road to be closed at this location to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm only on these days.

An essential concrete pour is also planned for Waterfall Corner on Tuesday 4 October 2022.

Concrete pours need the road to be closed at this location to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm only on this day.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Project boundary gates

We have started to install gates at the project boundary at Blackbird Flat. Gates have already been installed at the project boundary at Bill Hill.

When the road was closed earlier this year, the barrier boards at Blackbird Flat were moved.

The gates are to provide a more visible barrier and deterrent to motorists when the road is closed for safety reasons. Advance warning signs will also be installed but will be laid back until needed.

Please note: the gates will never be locked.

Electronic board messaging

Electronic messaging (EMS) boards have been located inside the intersection of Waterfall Way and Kempsey Road near Big Hill, and also at Bellbrook for more than two years.

Residents and the construction team have expressed frustration that non-residents are ignoring the signage, particularly on weekends, increasing unwanted traffic loads on the road.

This is increasingly occurring at the moment as the weather gets warmer and will continue throughout the summer months.

As such, Armidale Regional Council have approved new messaging on the EMS boards.

The new messaging is:

First frame:

ROAD

CLOSED

Second frame:

LAND

SLIPS

AHEAD

Third frame:

NO ACCESS

TURN

AROUND

All emergency services are exempt from this message and are being notified. Any resident needing access for essential services, such as phone and electricity, can call 1300 136 833 and press menu option 1 to speak to the project’s community liaison officer who can advise when access is available.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 6 September 2022

Access to Kempsey cattle sales

We have been working on providing access for increased load limits for primary producers to the Kempsey sale yards and for other residents. This has involved negotiation with the contractor working at Smith's Bluff.

The contractor has now agreed to change their roster to enable this to occur.

Access for increased load limits would be provided from midday to 4.30pm on the Wednesday prior to the cattle sales to enable cattle to be delivered in peak condition, on the Thursday of the sales and on the Friday, in case cattle that have not been sold need to be returned or cattle have been bought.

The increased load limits on the Thursday and Friday would apply from between 7am and 4.30pm. Other residents east of Flying Fox Cutting would also be able to take advantage of the increased limits on these dates and at these times.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration setting out the date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link.

Residents taking advantage of the increased load limits must have a UHF radio tuned to Channel 17 when travelling to advise of which direction you are travelling in and your location for safety reasons.

The first date that access to the Kempsey cattle sales could occur will be from midday on Wednesday 21 September 2022. Increased load limits would then be available on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 September 2022. This would then occur fortnightly.

Access for increased load limits to the Armidale cattle sales for primary producers and for other residents also will continue to be provided.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction sites.

The next dates for increased load limits to the west of Flying Fox Cutting are Wednesday 14, Thursday 15 and Friday 16 September 2022.

Stakeholders will be advised of the dates for increased load limits via the regular email updates.

Due to the change in the contractor’s roster working at Waterfall Corner, Flying Fox Cutting and Smith’s Bluff, no work will be occurring at these sites until Monday 12 September 2022.

Culvert work will be continuing at Curve 6 near Middle Creek bridge. Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 1 September 2022

Traffic alert re temporary road closures on the Kempsey to Armidale Road

Waterfall Corner: Concrete pours were undertaken at this location on Monday 29 August 2022. Unfortunately, equipment failure has resulted in re-work and clean-up at this location. Further updates will be provided once the future concrete pours have been determined.

Flying Fox Cutting: As advised in the email update on 26 August 2022, concrete pours are being undertaken at this location today, Thursday 1 September. Concrete pours need the road to be closed at this location to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through after 4pm only. As previously advised in the email update on 26 August 2022, concrete pours were possible tomorrow, Friday 2 September. This is no longer the case. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm and between 9-9.30am on Friday 2 September.

Stabilisation work started at Smiths Bluff on Monday 22 August 2022. There are two work crews working on two separate slips at this location. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am, between 9-9.30am and after 4pm when the crews are working.

Culvert work will be continuing at Curve 6 near Middle Creek bridge. Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 26 August 2022

Upcoming temporary road closures on the Kempsey to Armidale Road

Waterfall Corner: Concrete pours will be undertaken at this location on Monday 29 August 2022. Concrete pours need the road to be closed at this location to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm only.

Flying Fox Cutting: Concrete pours will be undertaken at this location on Tuesday 30 August, Wednesday 31 August, Thursday 1 September and possibly Friday 2 September 2022. Concrete pours need the road to be closed at this location to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am and after 4pm only.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Culvert work will be continuing at Curve 6 near Middle Creek bridge. Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

Increased load limits: Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction sites. During work days, except on the days of the concrete pours above, traffic will continue to be able to pass through before 7am, between 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm.

The road is currently restricted to local traffic with a 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) limit except on days when only inducted and authorised people will be able to drive on the road with vehicles and loads greater than 4.3 tonnes GVM and less than 20 tonnes GVM. This is only when they are notified that conditions are acceptable.

The next dates for increased load limits to the west of Flying Fox Cutting are Wednesday 31 August, Thursday 1 September and Friday 2 September 2022.

The next times for increased load limits to the east of Flying Fox Cutting are on Thursday 1 September from midday and during the day on Friday 2 September 2022.

An induction can be completed by following this link:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road/load-limit-registration-and-induction-forms/kempsey-to-armidale-road-registration-forms

Registration setting out the date/s you wish to travel and the number of loads must be completed 48 hours’ prior to the travel dates. Registration can be completed by following the above link.

Additional UHF channel signage will be placed at various locations along the project to facilitate this communication.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 17 August 2022

Works continuing on the Kempsey to Armidale Road

The work crew will continue undertaking recovery work at Waterfall Corner today Wednesday 17 August 2022 before leaving tomorrow Thursday 18 August 2022 and then returning on Monday 22 August 2022.

Signs restricting the time limits were removed yesterday. Motorists need to be mindful that there are still workers at Waterfall Corner but vehicles are able to pass throughout the day with a potential short wait.

The recovery work at Waterfall Corner is progressing well and is expected to be completed by mid-September due to plant and concrete supply issues. Motorists will be able to pass the site unless there are concrete pours. Concrete pours need the road at this location to be closed to enable concrete trucks to safely access the site. You will be notified if the road needs to be closed at this location.

Stabilisation work will be continuing at Flying Fox Cutting today Wednesday 17 August 2022 before the work crew leaves tomorrow Thursday 18 August 2022 and returns on Monday 22 August 2022.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction sites.

During work days, traffic will continue to be able to pass through before 7am, between 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Culvert work will be continuing at Curve 6 near Middle Creek bridge today Wednesday 17 August 2022 until Saturday 20 August 2022. Please obey work site signage and proceed with caution through work zones.

Soil nail work is scheduled to start at Smiths Bluff from Monday 22 August 2022. The slip is one of two slips at the cutting between 8148 Kempsey Road and 7986 Kempsey Road.

The works will involve stabilising the ground at the slip site. This will be done using a technique called ‘soil nailing’. This technique involves pinning the soil and vegetation onto rock with long steel nails, steel mesh and a concrete facing. The work is required to prevent further deterioration of the road.

Traffic will be able to pass through before 7am, between 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

The road is currently restricted to local traffic with a 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) limit except on days when only inducted and authorised people will be able to drive on the road with vehicles and loads greater than 4.3 tonnes GVM and less than 20 tonnes GVM. This is only when they are notified that conditions are acceptable.

Mail deliveries: Australia Post has advised Armidale Regional Council that, due to the lateness of mail arriving at the Wollomombi General Store, all mail is currently being delivered to the Bellbrook Local Post Office where it can be delivered the same day, or next business day from the Kempsey Delivery Centre.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 5 August 2022

Works continuing on the Kempsey to Armidale Road

Concrete work will occur at Waterfall Corner from Monday 8 August until Thursday 11 August 2022, weather permitting. On these days, the road will be temporarily closed. This to allow concrete trucks to safely access the site. Access however will be available before 7am and after 4pm.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The recovery work at Waterfall Corner is progressing well and is expected to be completed by mid-August, weather permitting, when access restrictions could be lifted.

Stabilisation work will be continuing at Flying Fox Cutting from Tuesday 8 August until Thursday 18 August 2022, weather permitting. This includes remediation work in preparation for concrete works.

Traffic will continue to be able to pass through before 7am, between 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm.

Vehicles greater than 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) are not permitted through Flying Fox Cutting due to safety and road structure concerns at either side of the current construction sites.

Culvert work will be continuing at Curve 5 and 6 near Middle Creek bridge during the next week, weather permitting.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

The road is currently restricted to local traffic with a 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM) limit except on days when only inducted and authorised people will be able to drive on the road with vehicles and loads greater than 4.3 tonnes GVM and less than 20 tonnes GVM. This is only when they are notified that conditions are acceptable.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 29 July 2022

Works continuing on the Kempsey to Armidale Road

Concrete work will occur at Waterfall Corner on Monday 1 August, Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 August 2022. On these days, the road will be temporarily closed. This to allow concrete trucks to safely access the site.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The recovery work at Waterfall Corner is progressing well and is expected to be completed by mid-August, weather permitting, when access restrictions could be lifted.

Work will continue at Waterfall Corner on Thursday 4 August 2022 when the crew will have four days off, returning on Tuesday 9 August 2022.

On Thursday 4 August, traffic will continue to be able to pass through before 7am, between 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm - except for 1 August to 3 August as described above.

Stabilisation work will be continuing at Flying Fox Cutting until Thursday 4 August 2022. This includes remediation work in preparation for concrete works. The crew will have four days off from 4 August 2022 with work recommencing on 9 August 2022.

Traffic will continue to be able to pass through before 7am, between 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm.

Culvert work will be continuing at Curve 5 and 6 near Middle Creek bridge during the next week.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

The road is currently restricted to local traffic with a 4.3 tonne gross vehicle mass limit.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 22 July 2022

Works continuing on the Kempsey to Armidale Road

Stabilisation work will be continuing at Flying Fox Cutting from Monday 25 July 2022 until Thursday 4 August 2022. This includes formwork in preparation for concrete works.

Formwork, concrete and soil nail work will be continuing at Waterfall Corner from Tuesday 26 July 2022 until Thursday 4 August 2022 when the crew will have four days off.

During the work, traffic will continue to be able to pass through before 7am, between 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm.

Culvert construction is ongoing at Curve 5. Upon completion of Curve 5, the construction crew will move to Curve 6.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

The road is currently restricted to local traffic with a 4.3 tonne weight limit.

Updates can be viewed on the Armidale Regional Council website:

https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/council/newsroom/works-and-projects/kempsey-road

UPDATE 15 July 2022

Works continuing on the Kempsey to Armidale Road

Soil nail works will be continuing at Flying Fox Cutting until Wednesday 21 July 2022 when the crew will have four days off. Work will recommence on 25 July 2022.

Formwork and concrete works will be continuing at Waterfall Corner until Wednesday 21 July 2022 when the crew will have four days off. Work will recommence on 26 July 2022.

During this time, traffic will continue to be able to pass through before 7am, between 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm.Critical concrete works for a section of the road at George’s Junction occurred on Thursday 14 July and Friday 15 July 2022, requiring temporary closure of the road at this location between 10am and 4pm.

This was to allow concrete trucks to safely access the work site. Final concrete works at this location will be ongoing until about Thursday 21 July 2022 due to issues with concrete availability. The temporary road closure will occur from 10am until 4pm.

The project apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

The road is currently restricted to local traffic with a 4.3 tonne weight limit.

Mail deliveries along the Kempsey to Armidale Road continue to be split between the Wollomombi General Store and the Bellbrook Country Post Outlet while the traffic window is in place at Flying Fox Cutting. This is due to the 9am-9.30am traffic window, which does not leave enough time for deliveries to be made along the entire road and the mail deliverer to return to Kempsey.

Mail for properties between 7456 and 8574 Kempsey Road, Logan Creek Road and Smiths Creek Road is delivered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to the Bellbrook Country Post Outlet. Mail for properties between 8851 and 10790 Kempsey Road, Lower Creek Road and Petrio Road is delivered on Fridays to the Wollomombi General Store.

We will keep Australia Post updated about any changes to the traffic window at Flying Fox Cutting.

Project Update - July 2022 (PDF 1.8MB)

UPDATE 8 July 2022

Works continuing on the Kempsey to Armidale Road

Following the severe weather event this week, works will be continuing on the road recovery program next week, weather permitting.

Soil nail works will be occurring at Flying Fox Cutting from Monday 11 July 2022 for 10 days.

Formwork and concrete works will be occurring at Waterfall Corner from Monday 11 July 2022 for about two weeks.

Due to the works planned at Flying Fox Cutting and Waterfall Corner, traffic will be able to pass through Flying Fox Cutting and Waterfall Corner before 7am, between 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm.

Critical concrete works which were planned for a section of the road at George’s Junction on 5 July and 6 July 2022 did not occur due to weather. These works are now planned to occur on Thursday 14 July and Friday 15 July 2022, weather permitting.

These works will require temporary closure of the road at this location between 7am and 4pm. This is to allow concrete trucks to safely access the work site.

Armidale Regional Council road crews mobilised yesterday as a priority to clear the land slips that blocked the road between the Forest Way intersection to the Council boundary as a result of the heavy rain received. Some remaining minor land slips will be cleared on Monday 11 July 2022 by the Council road crews.

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is now open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.
The road is currently restricted to local traffic with a 4.3 tonne weight limit.

EMERGENCY UPDATE 7 JULY 2022

KEMPSEY TO ARMIDALE ROAD OPEN TO RESIDENTS FOR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is now open to local residents for essential travel and emergency services only. Access restrictions still apply.

Armidale Regional Council road crews mobilised today as a priority to clear the land slips that blocked the road between the Forest Way intersection to the Council boundary as a result of the heavy rain received during this week’s severe weather event.

Some remaining minor land slips will be cleared on Monday 11 July 2022 by Council road crews.

We have updated the variable message sign boards at the intersection of Wollomombi and Kempsey Road, and at Bellbrook with this information.

Flooding Landslip

EMERGENCY UPDATE 6 JULY 2022

KEMPSEY TO ARMIDALE ROAD CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FOR SAFETY REASONS

The Kempsey to Armidale Road is closed to all vehicles from the Forest Way intersection to the Armidale Regional Council boundary.

The Bureau of Meteorology this morning issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds for the Northern Tablelands.

Damaging wind gusts and heavy rain has led to debris (land slips) on the road. There is also the risk of trees toppling in softer and very saturated soils.

More information and weather updates are available on www.bom.gov.au

Armidale Regional Council crews inspected the road this morning and advised that, for the safety of motorists and residents, we need to temporarily close the road.

We have updated the variable message sign boards at the intersection of Wollomombi and Kempsey Road, and at Bellbrook with this information.

We will provide further updates as soon as possible.

UPDATE 30 June 2022

Opening of Flying Fox Cutting to restricted access

Emergency repair works have now been completed at Flying Fox Cutting allowing restricted access. Traffic will be able to pass through Flying Fox Cutting before 7am, between 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm.

The road is currently restricted to local traffic with a 4.3 tonne weight limit.

As slips are progressively stabilised, the weight limit will be reassessed to determine if any increases can be applied.

UPDATE 24 June 2022

Site inspection for potential main construction contractor on Wednesday 29 June 2022

Tenders have been called for the main construction contract for the Kempsey to Armidale Road Recovery Project.

Funding to rehabilitate the road was announced on Tuesday by the Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall. The funding will be spent on restoration of the 43km Kempsey to Armidale Road and 5km of Lower Creek Road to pre-disaster condition.

The work will include earthworks, roadside drainage, pavements, pavement markings, signage, retaining walls, environmental safeguards, scour protection to existing bridges, roadside furniture including safety barriers and landscaping.

As part of the tender process, Armidale Regional Council is required to organise a site inspection for all interested representatives. This will be held on Wednesday 29 June 2022.

A convoy of four-wheel drive vehicles will travel along the alignment from 8.30am stopping to inspect various locations. The convoy will use two-way radios to communicate with each other and the work crews.

The convoy may impact on motorists travelling on Kempsey Road, resulting in some delays and issues for passing oncoming vehicles. Extra caution is advised. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

UPDATE 21 June 2022

Road closure on Tuesday 5 July and Wednesday 6 July 2022

Kempsey Road will be closed on Tuesday 5 July and Wednesday 6 July between George’s Junction and Curve 2 on the alignment between 7am and 4pm.

This will allow critical concrete works to be undertaken.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Due to the unstable condition of the road and embankments, residents are asked not to approach workers on site. This is essential in order to maintain the safety of residents, motorists and workers.

UPDATE 17 June 2022

Works progressing – access restrictions still apply

Flying Fox cutting:

Formwork will be stripped out late this week to allow backfilling with concrete over a number of days from Monday 20 June. The concrete then needs a few days to cure. Once cured, gravel will be laid and compacted over three days and then the road is expected to be opened to traffic, weather permitting, in late June. Residents will be advised when traffic will be able to pass through the cutting, on a time restricted basis.

Waterfall Corner:

Council is continuing to undertake work on the Waterfall Corner in an attempt to prevent further failures. The contractor has mobilised plant, equipment and personnel to continue emergency repair works. Soil nail walls are continuing to be constructed. This is highly dependent on soil conditions but is expected to take more than a month before formworking and concrete works can start.

Please note: access will continue to be restricted for residents between Waterfall Corner and the location of the Flying Fox cutting.

The works require road closures during culvert work and stabilisation of road slips. The road closures are for the safety of the public as well as the safety of workers.

Traffic will be able to continue to pass the Waterfall Corner works area before 7am, between the hours of 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm during the work.

Traffic movements for emergency services during this period will be co-ordinated by the site team.

Signage will advise motorists of the road closures.

Drainage works have mostly been completed at Curve 1, which is now open and trafficable. The road pavement will be fully constructed at a later date when all other curve drainage structures are completed.

Plans are underway to move materials to other curves to enable construction of drainage structures to continue.

Star pickets, flagging and barriers have been erected on several sections of the road to keep motorists safe by diverting them away from failing road pavement.

Information for the community:
Residents are discouraged to go to the work sites to talk to workers about the progress of works. This is for the safety of residents but also workers who need to follow strict site safety rules.

UPDATE 10 June 2022

Works progressing – access restrictions still apply

Flying Fox cutting:

Shotcrete was successfully completed on Wednesday 8 June. The shotcrete needs a minimum of seven days to cure. The formwork will be stripped out late next week to allow backfilling with concrete. The concrete then needs a few days to cure. Once cured, gravel will be laid and compacted over three days and then the road will be opened to traffic, weather permitting, in late June. Residents will be advised when traffic will be able to pass through the cutting, on a time restricted basis.

Waterfall Corner:

Please note: access will continue to be restricted for residents between Waterfall Corner and the location of the Flying Fox cutting.

The works require road closures during culvert work and stabilisation of road slips. The road closures are for the safety of the public as well as the safety of workers.

Traffic will be able to continue to pass the Waterfall Corner works area before 7am, between the hours of 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm during the work.

Traffic movements for emergency services during this period will be co-ordinated by the site team.

Signage will advise motorists of the road closures.

Star pickets, flagging and barriers have been erected on several sections of the road to keep motorists safe by diverting them away from failing road pavement.

Information for the community:

Residents are discouraged to go to the work sites to talk to workers about the progress of works. This is for the safety of residents but also workers who need to follow strict site safety rules.

UPDATE 31 May 2022

Severe storm damage

Severe weather has halted work on Kempsey Road.

Crews worked late into the night attending to fallen trees and clearing debris from slips and have mobilised to site again this morning to undertake further emergency work, including attending to more fallen trees and clearing slips.

A severe weather warning continues for the area with wind gusts of up to 90-100km/h, and gusts of up to 110km/h possible, with an increased risk of winds toppling further trees. Work crews are on stand-by and will not be able to undertake any further works and access for residents will not be maintained until it is safe to do so.

The next weather warning by the Bureau of Meteorology will be issued at 5pm today. Warnings are available through TV and radio broadcasts, the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210.

A further update on how the storm damage has affected the program of works will be provided once an assessment has been made.

Please report any new damage or landslips to Armidale Regional Council on 1300 136 833.

UPDATE 27 May 2022

Works continuing – access restrictions apply

Council is continuing to undertake work on the Waterfall Corner in an attempt to prevent further failures, weather permitting. The contractor has mobilised plant, equipment and personnel to continue emergency repair works.

Work is also continuing at Flying Fox Cutting to enable restricted access from mid-June. Kempsey Shire Council is assisting Armidale Regional Council with the removal of the slip at Flying Fox Cutting.

Please note: access will be restricted for residents between Waterfall Corner and the location of the Flying Fox Cutting.

The works require road closures during work to install pipes, culverts and stabilisation of road slips. The road closures are for the safety of the public as well as the safety of workers.

Traffic will be able to pass the Waterfall Corner works area before 7am, between the hours of 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm during the work.

Traffic movements for emergency services during this period will be co-ordinated by the site team.

Signage will be installed at the work areas to indicate the working hours and traffic windows. The signs will be erected at areas near Flying Fox Cutting and Waterfall Corner where vehicles can safely turn around.

In the next few weeks, there will be no work between 27 May and 30 May and no work between 9 June and 12 June.

Please report any new damage or landslips to Council on 1300 136 833.

UPDATE 23 May 2022

Works continuing – access restrictions apply

Work is continuing at Flying Fox Cutting to enable restricted access from mid-June.

Please note: Access will be restricted for residents between Waterfall Corner and the location of the Flying Fox Cutting.

The works require road closures during culvert work and stabilisation of road slips. The road closures are for the safety of the public as well as the safety of workers.

Traffic will be able to pass the Waterfall Corner works area before 7am, between the hours of 9am and 9.30am, and after 4pm during the work.

Traffic movements for emergency services during this period will be co-ordinated by the site team.

The road will be closed at Waterfall Corner on Thursday 26 May for installation of a pipe for a culvert between 7am and 4pm.

Signage will advise motorists of the road closures.

UPDATE 12 May 2022

Kempsey Road emergency works update (PDF 1.6MB)

UPDATE 29 April 2022

Temporary removal of pedestrian access

The pedestrian scaffold currently in place at Flying Fox Cutting slip will temporarily be removed on Tuesday 3 May to allow an excavator to be mobilised to a nearby site.

The scaffold will be removed on Tuesday 3 May and restored on Wednesday 4 May (weather permitting), and pedestrian access to the scaffold will be unavailable during this time.

If any urgent access through the site is required pedestrians will need to request to be escorted through by a worker. The condition of the site is dangerous and pedestrians should not attempt to traverse the site without escort.

UPDATE 19 April 2022

New works commencing – Access restrictions will apply

Council is undertaking new works on the Waterfall Corner in an attempt to prevent further failures. The contractor is currently mobilising plant, equipment and personnel to commence emergency repair works and is expected to start on site Thursday 21 April at approximately 7.00am.

The works will be completed in two phases:

Phase 1 will take approximately five to ten days (Including weekends and the Anzac Day Public Holiday) depending on weather and drilling conditions.

Please Note: Access will be restricted for residents between this location and the location of the Flying Fox Cutting.

The works require road closures during installation of anchor points at the road level to support the workers during drilling of the first row of the soil retaining structure. The road closure is for the safety of the public as well as the safety of the drilling team.

Traffic will be able to pass the works area before 07:00 AM, between the hours of 09:00 AM and 09:30 AM, and after 04:00 PM during this phase of the works. (Including weekends and the Anzac Day Public Holiday)

Traffic movements for emergency services during this period will be co-ordinated by the site team.

Council request that affected residents who require access to Armidale during phase 1 for medical or other appointments to please plan ahead and travel during the available times listed above.

Phase 2 will be undertaken with the road open to local traffic with potential short delays. This work will involve installation of the remaining anchors for the soil retaining structure.

UPDATE 14 April 2022

Kempsey Road is open to local traffic and emergency vehicles only and remains impassable via vehicle at Flying Fox Cutting.

Work to restore access on Kempsey Road is continuing and pedestrian access across the Flying Fox Cutting slip is now in place for residents only, via scaffolding. Please note the area is an active construction site and caution should be taken whilst crossing.

Council is continuing to work with geotechnical engineers in understanding the extent of damage and developing designs for repairs. The designs will inform Council the best way to address the damage and coordinate maintenance activities. The road remains in a vulnerable state and Council is sourcing additional contractors to work in multiple areas of the road. It is expected the additional resources will be on site within the next two weeks.

With current access constraints and disruption to the road, Council is reaching out to residents over the coming weeks to establish a better understanding of their current needs and the impacts of prolonged works on residents. Council has met with various agencies to assist in providing support to the community. Needs will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Council encourages the community to review and ensure their isolation plans are in place in the event access is closed.

Motorists are reminded to drive to the conditions of the road.

The 4.3 Tonne gross vehicle weight limit (light vehicles only) remains in place.

Please report any new damage or landslips to Council on 1300 136 833.

Lower Creek community members are encouraged to call SES on 132 500 for support or assistance, and 000 in the event of an emergency.

UPDATE 5 April 2022

Kempsey Road is open to local traffic and emergency vehicles only and remains impassable at Flying Fox Cutting.

Council and contractors have experienced delays conducting emergency works for the major road collapse at Flying Fox Cutting, due to the consistent wet weather. Emergency work recommenced at the site last week and Council is preparing to engage additional stabilisation contractors to further progress emergency work.

Council is also installing scaffolding at the Flying Fox construction site to provide a safe pedestrian path for community members to traverse. We anticipate this to be in place by the end of the week.

A slip has recently occurred at Waterfall Curve (located approximately 60km from Waterfall Way intersection), and if it continues to deteriorate it has the potential to close the section of road, leaving residents between Flying Fox and Waterfall Curve isolated. Council is working to engage contractors to undertake stabilisation works whilst keeping the section of road open to light vehicles only. The site is delineated and motorists are advised to use caution and drive to the conditions of the road.
The programming of maintenance for the road is still underway and following geotechnical advice and weather permitting, maintenance tasks will recommence.
Community members are reminded to ensure they have adequate essential supplies in the event that they become isolated. Council is currently assessing strategies to assist isolated residents if a road closure occurs in this location.

UPDATE 28 March 2022 - Kempsey Road is open to local traffic and emergency vehicles only and remains impassable at Flying Fox Cutting.

Council and contractors are continuing to repair the major road collapse at Flying Fox Cutting under emergency provisions. Contractors have incorporated additional crews to assist conducting repairs.

GHD is currently assessing the damage to Kempsey Road for the design of emergency works, with work remaining ongoing to return the road to pre-disaster conditions.

Council is working to repair the road and restore access as quickly as possible, however, the rain continues to pose challenges to progress and road instability. A 4.3 Tonne gross vehicle weight limit (light vehicles only) remains in place and motorists are advised to drive to conditions.

Mail is being delivered to Bellbrook Post Office for residents on Kempsey side of Flying Fox Cutting, and mail is being delivered to Wollomombi Post Office for residents on the Lower Creek side. As per Australia Post security requirements, you will need to provide identification to collect your mail.

Please report any new damage or landslips to Council on 1300 136 833.

Lower Creek community members are encouraged to call SES on 132 500 for support or assistance, and 000 in the event of an emergency.

UPDATE 17 March 2022

Residents on the Armidale side of Flying Fox Cutting will now have their mail diverted to Wollomombi Post Office.
The mail that had been delivered to Bellbrook has now been collected and is also en route to Wollomombi Post Office. An estimate couldn't be given as to when the mail would arrive at Wollomombi from Bellbrook.

UPDATE 15 March 2022

Council has engaged specialist contractors to commence repairs to the major slips and the contractor is currently mobilising to Flying Fox Cutting. It is anticipated that more machinery will be mobilised as resources become available.

Whilst works are being prepared, unfortunately a time-frame as to when the works will be complete is unavailable at this point.

There are two crews currently clearing up-slope slips by excavator and skid steer bobcat.

UPDATE 9 March 2022 - Kempsey Road open to local traffic only

Kempsey Road is open to local traffic and emergency services ONLY. Due to the instability of the road and risk to motorists, a 4.3 Tonne gross vehicle weight limit (light vehicles only) will be applied. Please drive to conditions and exercise caution when driving the road. The road is closed at Flying Fox Cutting due to a major landslip making it impassable at this location, however, residents can travel in either direction from the slip.

Council is responding to the significant road damage from the current natural disaster. We are aware of numerous additional landslips and have mobilised geotechnical and civil construction resources to site today.
A design for reconstruction of the Flying Fox slip is now underway. Council has engaged contractors to continue works on Kempsey Road and a skid-steer is working to the east from Flying Fox Cutting, and an excavator is slowly clearing additional debris from the western roadway, starting at the top of the hill and making its way down. We are doing everything possible to minimise the duration of this closure and will update you with further information as soon as possible.

Geotechnical assessments are still ongoing.

Please report any new damage or landslips to Council on 1300 136 833.

Lower Creek community members are encouraged to call SES on 132 500 for support or assistance, and 000 in the event of an emergency.

UPDATE 7 March 2022 - Kempsey Road closed

Kempsey Road is now closed to all traffic.

Council crews are responding to a large tree currently blocking the road near the top of the Big Hill.
The team will continue to inspect and clear any debris as they progress along the road.

UPDATE 3 March 2022 - Kempsey Road open to local traffic only

Kempsey Road is now open to local traffic and emergency vehicles only.

The washout east of Georges Junction is now repaired and safe for passage. Please note the area is still severely impacted following the recent severe weather event.
The pavement is stable however it is extremely rough and Council requests that motorists drive to the conditions and exhibit caution.

More wet weather is expected and further slips and washouts may occur. Residents are encouraged to assess their supplies and medications and restock if required, as further wet weather may again cause road closures.

Council will maintain surveillance on the road and continue to monitor conditions over the coming days.

Please report any new damage or landslips to Council on 1300 136 833.

Lower Creek community members are encouraged to call SES on 132 500 for support or assistance, and 000 in the event of an emergency.

UPDATE 2 March 2022 - Kempsey Road closed

Council crews have continued to clear more landslips today with approximately 16 of the 21 landslips now cleared.

The washout at Georges Junction is still being repaired and we’re working to stabilise the area.

We anticipate to reopen Kempsey Road to local traffic only by tomorrow evening, weather pending.

Lower Creek community members are encouraged to call SES on 132 500 for support or assistance, and 000 in the event of an emergency.

Landslip clearing Kempsey Road March 2022

UPDATE 1 March 2022 - Kempsey Road closed

Council crews have been working away using a front-end loader to clear landslips that occurred on Sunday and Monday, nearly making it to Georges Creek. In doing so, Council has identified 21 additional up-slope and down-slope failures from the recent rain events.

Council has today cleared the carriageway for over half-a-dozen sites, however, we have been stopped by a severely undercut road located west of Georges Junction. Approximately 3m of pavement has been washed out, further undercut by another 1m, placing a significant area of road at risk of failure.

Council is working on the slips, failures and washouts from both ends and have engaged Kempsey Shire Council to assist from the Eastern direction. Kempsey Shire crews will commence tomorrow morning, assessing and restoring the road wherever possible.

We anticipate to have works on the large washout completed Thursday afternoon and will continue clearing the slips following that work.

UPDATE - 28 February 2022 - Kempsey Road closed

Following further risk assessments after yesterday's landslide, another active slip has been found on the upper end of Kempsey Road, approximately 5km from the top of the hill.

The road is now closed and residents between these two locations will be isolated until the landslip has been cleared or assessed as stable.

UPDATE - 27 February 2022 - Kempsey Road closed

Kempsey Road is closed until further notice due to a landslide at Flying Fox Cutting.

Council is currently assessing the area and preparing for clearing.

February 2022 Newsletter

February Newsletter (PDF 157KB)

Designs for Flying Fox (PDF 6.7MB)
Designs for Blackbird Flat (PDF 2.9MB)

Culvert one designs (PDF 1.7MB)
Culvert two designs (PDF 2.3MB)
Culvert three designs (PDF 1.5MB)
Culvert four designs (PDF 1.5MB)
Culvert five designs (PDF 1.5MB)
Culvert six designs (PDF 1.5MB)
Culvert seven designs (PDF 2.7MB)

UPDATE - 13 DECEMBER 2021 - INVESTIGATION WORKS

Armidale Regional Council will be undertaking investigation work on the Kempsey - Armidale Road between 8:00am on Monday 20 December 2021 through to 5:00pm on Tuesday 21 December 2021. Weather Permitting.
These investigations will be confined to the Blackbird Flat area and Flying Fox Cutting sections of the Kempsey – Armidale Road.
Road users can expect short delays throughout the day to enable investigation work to be undertaken on site.
It's suggested that additional travel time be added to your journey when travelling this route.
For enquiries, contact Council’s Customer Contact Centre on 1300 136 833 or email: council@armidale.nsw.gov.au

November newsletter

The project team thanks the community for their patience while the complex Big Hill stabilisation works were completed. These works are now complete and this particularly unstable area is now far more resilient to future inclement weather events.

November newsletter 2021 (PDF 788.5KB)

UPDATE - 12 NOVEMBER 2021

Kempsey Road has reopened to the public. The road is not suitable for RV's, caravans and trailers and the 15 tonne load limit remains in place.