Wisemans Ferry Road Reopened At Cattai

Last Friday night, August 12, Wisemans Ferry Road reopened at Cattai after a mammoth effort from a dedicated crew of about 125 workers. They handled thousands of tonnes of soil, rock and asphalt to rebuild the arterial route after severe flood damage.

The crew put in a combined 6000 man-hours over the past month to get the work done to reopen traffic flow.

Member for Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston MP said the unprecedented rainfall and flooding that had lashed Sydney this year had severely impacted the greater metropolitan area, but few roads had copped more damage than what was seen along Wisemans Ferry Road at Cattai.

“The road was swamped by a nine-metre high flood causing major damage to the road and drainage system, with washed-out embankments and collapsed pavement foundation,” Ms Preston said.

“The road had to be rebuilt but the tight nature of the site meant crews had to go back and forth over the work area in a constant battle against rising groundwater.

“The work was complicated by further heavy rainfall, while local motorists had to contend with increased traffic congestion and an extensive detour due to the road closures.

“However, Wisemans Ferry Road is again safe and I would like to thank everyone - workers and the community - for their patience and persistence during this challenging time.”

The work included:

• Rebuilding a total of 970 metres of the road;
• Reinstating two undermined and damaged culverts;
• Installation of 120 metres of guardrail; and
• Replacing 15 damaged signs.

Resources required for repairs included:

• 8000 tonnes of soil removed and taken offsite;
• 5000 tonnes of sandstone rock were imported to form the bridging-layer foundation;
• 5000 square metres of geo-fabric laid;
• 1800 square metres of rock material to help stabilise the road and prevent future damage during flood events;
• 2500 tonnes of cement; and
• 2500 tonnes of asphalt.

A range of heavy plant equipment was required, including a 35-tonne excavator, a 25-tonne excavator and two 15-tonne excavators plus a grader and two rollers.

• Topics:

• Floods
• Public Works
• Road Safety