River Road at Wisemans Ferry Temporarily Opens After Rock Fall

River Road has reopened to one lane of traffic after the Hills Shire Council considered independent geotechnical advice.

The road was initially closed following a major rockfall that caused extensive damage to the road, guardrail and the embankment along the Hawkesbury River at Wisemans Ferry on June 17.

The General Manager of The Hills Shire Council, Michael Edgar, has welcomed the opening as it is a vital link for residents living in the rural north of The Hills.

“I urge motorists to avoid the area if they can,” he said.

“Permanent repairs to the road are awaiting a Ministerial disaster declaration, which will unlock funding to help with repairs. Furthermore, there will be more work required on the escarpment to remove loose rocks on land owned by the NSW Government.

“I congratulate all the staff and contractors involved who have got us to this temporary opening, which could only be done once we understood the risk to workers and the public.”

“I thank the residents for their patience as we worked through these issues,” he added.

Council crews and its contractors have now removed most of the boulders and have placed barricades around the damaged road pavement and edges. VMS signage is in place to alert motorists to drive with caution, observe the 50km speed limit, and to beware of falling rocks, and refrain from stopping.

For further information, visit The Hills Shire Council’s website and search “Temporary Road Closures”.