Since its closure in November 2022, Lithgow City Council and its contractors have been working around the clock to construct a detour route to the Wolgan Valley for residents and businesses. With incredibly difficult terrain to navigate, this has been a very complex project.
Mayor Maree Statham said “Thankfully, the Donkey Steps detour is substantially complete. We have achieved an impressive result within a very short timeframe. However, the is steep and narrow. Frankly, it is treacherous for anyone to attempt to access the Wolgan Valley without a suitable vehicle and an understanding of the unique access arrangements in place. For this reason, Council must strictly limit traffic entering the valley to local residents and business use only.”
Noting the risks associated with unauthorised access, Council has restricted use of the road to local traffic only. Only residents and approved business traffic is permitted. Any other type of access, including sightseeing and tourist traffic, will be denied access.
“We apologise for this inconvenience,” finished Mayor Statham. “This is an area of such natural beauty and wonder. Our work will continue on a permanent alternate route that will be suitable for all users, but this will be a project that will take some years. I thank all visitors for their patience and understanding.”
Details of the access strategy can be found on Council’s website at https://council.lithgow.com/wolgan-road-disaster-response/