Forecast rainfall triggers closure of Browns Gap Road
Due to the forecast rain event commencing from mid-week, Browns Gap Road will be closed from 12 midday on Wednesday 25 September until further notice. The rain event predicted to occur over a four-day period exceeds Councils Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) measure which is in place to ensure risks to the public road users do not exceed tolerable safety limits. Council will conduct a site assessment following the forecast rain event.
Periods of heavy rainfall increase the risk of slope instability and there is higher risk to road users should this section of Browns Gap Road remain open. The area of slippage will be inspected during and after the rain has cleared. If it is safe, the road will be reopened.
The Council recently installed geotechnical ground slip monitoring equipment on the embankments of Browns Gap Road which will also assist to inform potential rainfall related ground instability.
Ensuring the road is safe for road users is Council’s priority and further information will be provided following a geotechnical site assessment on Monday 30 September.