Counting cost of wet

Council’s director of engineering and technical services John Zannes said in a report to council’s July meeting last Thursday that a number of roads had suffered considerable damage.

“Irrespective of recent unsealed road closures to heavy vehicles, stock trucks continued to use Southern Cross Road, Troubalgie Road, Forest Road and Littles Road during the wet conditions,” he said in a report to council’s July meeting.

“These roads have suffered considerable damage and in places are barely passable.

“Some of these roads are school bus routes and pose a risk to the traveling public.”

The hazards have been signposted until they dry out enough to repair. 

“It is expected the repair work will be lengthy and will absorb a significant portion of council’s unsealed road maintenance budget,” Mr Zannes said in his report. 

The scheduled routine maintenance to unsealed roads would have to be deferred to carry out the repairs, he told the meeting. 

Council has closed unsealed roads to vehicles over three tonnes again, due to the wet conditions.

That restriction will be reviewed Tuesday morning. 

Please note that concessions are possible, on application, for urgent transport activity on routes considered suitable to carry the proposed loadings.

Contact Forbes Shire Council’s Engineering and Technical Services Department on 6850 2874 to discuss the requirements for a concession.

Yesterday, council advised that there was water over the road at Pinnacle Road (Garema).

The Bundaburrah Crossing was closed due to water and there was also water over Johnny Woods Crossing in Wambat Street.

There was water over Bedgerebong Road, near Little Plains, and Yarrabandai Road, at the intersection of Corridgery Road (locally known as The 4 Ways). 

If you wish to report water over road, contact Council’s Engineering and Technical Services on 6850 2874 or 1300 978 633 after hours.