SENATOR MURRAY WATT
FEDERAL MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY
MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
JENNY AITCHISON
NSW MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS
DAN REPACHOLI
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HUNTER
EMILY SUVAAL
NSW DUTY MLC FOR UPPER HUNTER
MEDIA RELEASE - NAILING REPAIR WORK ON THE HUNTER'S PUTTY ROAD
Disaster recovery work on Putty Road will include steel nails up to 12 metres in length drilled into the steep slopes next to this important regional thoroughfare southwest of Mount Thorley.
Repairs are funded jointly by the Australian and NSW Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Putty Road was significantly damaged at Terrys Creek during a severe weather event in June 2022, resulting in multiple landslips.
Work on permanent repairs at nine locations along this three-kilometre stretch will start on 22 January and is expected to be complete by mid-2024, weather permitting.
Specialist Site Services has been appointed as the successful contractor to carry out the work.
Transport for NSW has been managing this section of Putty Road following the disastrous 2022 event, allowing this essential route to remain open to traffic by installing lane closures and traffic control.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:
“This work is one of a range of recovery activities being undertaken along Putty Road reconnecting Upper Hunter communities.
“This is a significant transport route, which is one of the reasons why the Australian and NSW Governments are supporting this, as well as a range of other repair works in the region.
“As crews continue to work through and complete works like bridge repairs, clearing landslip sites, repairing erosion and installing new drainage, the beginning of soil stabilisation works along this section marks a significant milestone on the road’s restoration.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“The start of construction on Putty Road is a welcome step forward in getting our road network rebuilt following devastating natural disasters.
“Importantly, this work is not about just rebuilding roads back to the standard they were at before the disasters — we’re also making sure they’re better protected against future landslips.
“This work to build back better will include a technique known as ‘soil nailing’, where specialist crews drill holes into the soil surrounding Putty Road so steel bars can be inserted and grout filled to stabilise the ground and make the road more resilient.
“It’s a testament to the skills and dedication of the crews working on Transport for NSW projects across the state that we will be able to complete this vital road work.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi:
“Different locations along this section of road will require different stabilisation techniques, which includes rock fill, while the length of the individual slopes range from around 60 metres to 190 metres.
“This work requires the use of fall restraint systems including elevated work platforms and, in some cases, workers will need to abseil off the face of the slope.
“In addition to stabilising the slopes, work will see the reinstatement of a one-metre wide shoulder and installation of new guardrail for motorists’ safety.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Duty MLC for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal:
“This work will ensure that motorists in the Upper Hunter remain connected to their local communities and is a crucial step in the ongoing disaster recovery work being carried out in the area.
“In some areas crews will be ‘shotcreting’, where concrete is applied to the embankment face in spray form.
“The concrete mix is designed specifically for this method of application and can reach high strength in just a few days.”
Media contacts:
Minister Watt’s office: Tali Eley 0499 770 772
Minister Aitchison’s office: Ryan Young 0477 608 886
