Jenolan Caves road remains closed at 'Five Mile'
6 March 2020
Transport for NSW crews are forging ahead with repair and clean-up works on Five Mile Road at Jenolan Caves after it was hit by a combination of fires, floods, and landslides in the space of two months.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said Transport for NSW was working tirelessly to clear the road which was expected to re-open to traffic in the coming weeks.
"The sheer magnitude of work carried out to date is a testament to everyone involved - crews have had to remove hundreds of fire-damaged trees and clear up after both small and large rock falls," Mr Toole said.
"Access to the Caves via 'Two Mile' was able to be reinstated last month, with crews now turning their efforts to tackle the task of repairing and reopening 'Five Mile' to traffic.
"These teams recently discovered the dry stone wall under a section of road along the 'Five Mile' has been severely damaged.
"There are also a number of landslides that still need to be cleared, and repairs to be carried out.
"Re-opening the road is not an easy task, and I thank our crews for doing everything possible to get the job done and to support the local community."
Since the initial closure of Five Mile Road:
- 581 bushfire-affected trees have been removed
- 464 minor rock falls have impacted the road at multiple locations
- 26 major rock falls have impacted the road
- 2.5 kilometres of damaged guardrail has been replaced
- 970 tonnes of unstable slope material has been removed.
Temporary reinforcement measures are being investigated to safely open the road as soon as possible, while investigations into permanent stabilisation take place.
The safety of workers and motorists remains the number one priority, with motorists reminded to drive slowly, exercise caution, and follow the direction of any traffic control and signs while work continues.