Browns Gap Road Works

The survey of Browns Gap is complete.   The identification of workzones has commenced and this will complement the traffic management plan that is being developed.

The options for traffic flow on Browns Gap Road will be determined to allow for stabilisation works to be undertaken whilst traffic moves along the road.

While stage 1 works are now complete, survey works have commenced this week in preparation for stage 2, with survey staff being on site to map out areas of work and to see what subsurface movements have occurred over the last 3-6 months on the downward slope of the road.

The result of these surveys will determine the amount of work and type of remediation that may be necessary as the project moves forward.

A traffic management plan is still being developed with options being explored for the safest way of opening the road up to public traffic while stage 2 works are occurring. At this point in time the road will remain closed until further notice.

The Council is pleased to announce that the stage 1 works on Browns Gap Road have been completed

The next steps are to install ground stability monitoring stations along the down slope of the road, assess the results provided by this equipment, and develop a traffic management plan to partially re-open the road for traffic.

The stage 1 works on Browns Gap Road are nearing completion. As the site is cleaned up, a safety assessment will be conducted to determine the suitability of the road for traffic. This assessment considers the upcoming stage 2 works and will verify that the outcomes of the stage 1 works have been met before the commencement of stage 2 works.

The focus of stage 2 works will be on assessing the stability of the lower embankment of the road. This includes examining any cracks that may have opened in the embankment. Additionally, the work sites will be established based on this assessment. Core drilling will take place in the southern lane to ensure the road is built on solid ground and to identify any underlying issues that require resolution.

Once all safety assessments are complete the Council aims to open at least one lane of traffic, one way into Lithgow, subject to the outcomes of these assessments.

The Council is pleased to announce that work has advanced to the upper section of Browns Gap. The current focus is on grinding the larger rocks located adjacent to the road, effectively eliminating the risk of these rocks falling onto the road. This process is designed to minimise the impact of vibrations on the surrounding road and any potential loose matter.

Once this work is completed attention will be shifted to approximately 300 metres down Browns Gap Road which will involve constructing protective measures along the edge of the road to guard against any future rockfalls.

Upon completion of the works on this upper section of Gap Road, we will conduct an assessment of the upper slope to ensure that the rocks posing the greatest risk of falling have been either removed or stabilised to the best of our ability. Following this, we will evaluate the ground cracking on the lower side of the road to determine the necessary works for ensuring long-term stability.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to enhance the safety and stability of Browns Gap Road.

The works on Browns Gap is continuing. Debris from the slope has been cleared, and the open drains have been thoroughly cleaned. Commencing this week, we are focusing on removing larger rocks further up the road using an excavator and rock grinder. These efforts will continue until all hazardous rocks have been extracted and the area is deemed safe. However, the duration of this stage remains uncertain, as once the rocks are removed, we may encounter underlying issues that require resolution.

We kindly remind residents that the road is currently closed and will be entirely obstructed by machinery during these essential works.

The first stage of remediation works on Browns Gap Road is due to start on Monday the 22nd January, weather dependent. A site meeting will be held on Wednesday 17th January to finalise any details. The works are expecting to take 3 to 4 weeks (weather dependent) to scale several sections of loose road, remove affected vegetation and install safety measures. Once works have been completed, the site will be further assessed by expert geotechnical engineering consultants to ensure the safety of the road for travel and consider any further works that need to occur prior to reopening Browns Gap Road to a single lane of traffic Henry’s Plant and Equipment Hire have been assigned the work to be completed, with geotechnical technicians also on site as the works are conducted.

Once this stage of works are complete, planning will commence on Stage 2 works, being the complex remediation of downslope failures.

Approval has been received from the NSW Government for a first phase of work to reopen Browns Gap Road to a single lane of traffic under a contraflow arrangement (traffic lights). This work includes rock scaling and removals alongside road carriageway modifications. This is complex work requiring expert geotechnical support and skilled contractor involvement. A local contractor is preparing to commence work mid-January, weather and staff availability permitting.

Council followed up with Transport for NSW as to the status of the application. While the approval was to be received last week, this did not occur. Council continues to press for the results of Transport’s assessment.

The submission to Transport for NSW for the Browns Gap Road project was made Friday 24 November. Follow-up with Transport for NSW was immediately made, seeking their urgent response to this request for funding approval. Receipt of the application was received today (27/11/23) with written confirmation that feedback will be provided within the week. Local quotes have also been sought. Early indications of contractor availability suggest that works may be able to commence mid-January, pending approval by Transport for NSW.

Staff meeting with potential local contractor scheduled today to estimate the cost of scaling. Estimates at this time are approximately $500,000, excl. contingency. Final quote to be received today (20/11/23). Final quotes received from Council’s consulting engineers (WSP) detailing site supervision and management costs. Submission of work package (approx. $1.5 million) to Transport for NSW for their consideration and approval by end of week.

Since the closure of Brown’s Gap Road, the following works have been undertaken:

• Mine Subsidence stabilisation works have been completed.
• Council’s consulting engineers (WSP) have completed a geotechnical report to support the initial claim for the first package of Disaster Recovery Funding.

Over the past two weeks, Council has engaged the services of a dedicated Project Manager to press forward on the Browns Gap Road project. This Project Manager and Council’s Disaster Recovery Coordinator are treating this application for funding as their highest priority. It is expected that this application for the initial phase of work will be submitted as quickly as possible, but no later than 24 November 2023.

Once submitted, Transport for NSW indicate that it can take between 4 – 6 weeks for an approval to be granted. Council will pursue every opportunity to reduce this timeframe. Once approval is granted, a procurement process will immediately commence to appoint a contractor to commence the installation of monitoring equipment,  rock scaling and line marking realignment.  As it is dependent on specialist contractor availability, a timeframe for this work will be provided as the procurement process concludes.