Council determines local road closures and re-openings, in the event of emergencies and in response to changing seasonal conditions, in consultation with and guided by the expertise of relevant agencies and endeavours to communicate the most up-to-date information on local roads on Council’s website, Council’s Facebook page and through the local media.

The vast majority of our roads, 758.3 kilometres, are unsealed and there are 377.38 kilometres of sealed roads which includes 67.6 km Regional Roads (state road) and 4.77 km parking lane adjacent to highway.

There are 52 timber bridges and 79 concrete and other bridges throughout the Local Government Area.

15 MINUTE PARKING ZONES INTRODUCED - GREY STREET

From Friday, 26 June 2020 there will be new 15 minute parking zones effective on Grey Street applicable to four (4) parking spaces on the south side and three (3) parking spaces on the north side of the Bourke Street / Grey Street roundabout. These zones are applicable from 8:30am - 6:00pm, Monday to Friday and from 8:30am – 12:30pm on Saturdays.

In April 2020 Council received a request from a resident for short term parking near the two (2) local pharmacies on Grey Street, to enable scripts to be easily picked up without leaving the vehicle. Due to COVID-19, the local pharmacies were delivering scripts to customers in their vehicles. In response, Council contacted both local pharmacies and both suggested that designated short term parking would be beneficial. Grey Street had short-term parking in the past however this was not re-instated after the Grey Street up-grade.

BRIDGE REPLACEMENT  - WATERLOO ROAD

Works to replace the bridge over the Wellingrove Creek on Waterloo Road will commence on Monday 15 June 2020. It is expected that this project will be completed in six (6) weeks. During this project, traffic will be diverted to use the single lane side-track and only minimal interruptions should be expected.

The Sapphire Wind Farm proponents have paid for short term strengthening of the existing structure to accommodate heavy loads, however these works did not address longer term decay issues in the bridge that are caused by the timber elements being in contact with earth at the abutments. Council will offer this bridge superstructure for sale by expression of interest at a later date. With the additional strengthening, it will make an excellent bridge for a landholder.

If you require any further information please contact Council’s Department of Infrastructure Services on telephone 02 6730 2371.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT WELLINGTON VALE ROAD DELAYED

In light of the current COVID-19 situation, a primary focus for Council is for our staff to stay healthy and on the job, so that we can continue to perform important functions in the community. The Department of Infrastructure Services’ aim is for our outdoor works crews to avoid close contact with other staff and contractors outside of their small teams wherever possible.

Contractors who have been engaged to work with Council’s Road Construction Crew to undertake sealing works on Wellington Vale Road are based interstate, and it has been deemed an unnecessary risk for our crews to be exposed. In consideration of the above, the crew will be redeployed from the construction work site on Wellington Vale Road to undertake rural road re-sheeting projects in other areas.

The Wellington Vale Road construction site will be left in safe trafficable order, and works will recommence when conditions are suitable.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Department of Infrastructure Services on 6730 2371.

 

Council resolved that a 20 tonne gross load limit be applied to the section of Bald Nob Road between Morven Road and the Gwydir Highway. This load limit has been set at a level that aims to minimise the negative impact on local landholders. Local operators can apply to Council for an exemption that will be assessed on a case by case basis.

 

This route is of significant benefit to motorists, with the alternate option of remaining on the highway network requiring approximately 50 kilometres travel distance rather than 12 kilometres via Bald Nob Road. The road provides access to a small number of residences, and it is estimated that in excess of 90% of vehicle movements are of a regional rather than local nature. The route is gazetted for B-Double use and provides an important freight linkage between northern and eastern destinations.

 

The reasons for the implementation of this limit is to reduce the safety risks caused by the road conditions, and highlight the issue that Council cannot and should not fund this road that serves more as a state highway freight route than a local road. The decision to implement these limits was made unanimously by Councillors with full support from the Glen Innes Roads Consultative Committee. We are hopeful that new funding announced by the State Government will address this issue, and Council encourages the community to ‘make a noise’.

 

Although Council fully supports the ongoing use of the road as a regional link, it finds itself in a position whereby local ratepayers are faced with prohibitive upgrade and ongoing costs that cannot be met. Council intends to continue pursuing funding to bring this road to an acceptable standard, and at the same time campaigning for it to be added to the regional road network, funded by the State Government.

 

Landowners and transport companies who access local properties via Bald Nob Road and require a load limit exemption are asked to contact Council’s Department of Infrastructure Services on 02 6730 2371.