Wattamolla Road - Woodhill - Major and Smaller Landslips

Stormwater replacement works completed by Council’s Northern District Team February 2024.

Stormwater repair Site 1 (NH00041) – near rural address 1153 Wattamolla Road: Works: Replacement of 3 x 450mm stormwater pipes and concrete headwalls with 2 x 600mm stormwater pipes and concrete headwalls for entire width of road.

Stormwater repair Site 2 (NH00043) – near rural address 581 Wattamolla Road: Works: Replacement of 1 x 450mm stormwater pipe and rock and concrete headwalls for entire width of road.

Contact: Lachlan Keighery - Northern Construction Supervisor on 1300 293 111

17/4/2024 - Announcement: Beware of hazards. There are a number of hazards along Wattamola Rd and on some lanes, all impacts and damages from declared natural disaster 7 April 2024 (AGRN1119) severe weather event. Council crews and traffic control will soon be in place to repair damages. Resident access only. Landslip repair works completion date is extended to Monday 27 May 2024. Subscribe to this page for updates.

10/4/2024 - There are a number of hazards along Wattamola Rd and on some lanes, all impacts from the declared natural disaster 7 April 2024 (AGRN1119) severe weather and flooding event. Council crews and traffic control will soon be in place.

3/4/2024 - Announcement: Major landslip repair works, and associated road repairs are progressing well. Repair works are scheduled to be completed at Site 1 - near rural address 19, Wednesday 22 May 2024, weather permitting. Note: Load limits are removed at Site 1 rural address 19 in favourable weather conditions. Find details under - About the works.

26/3/2024 - Announcement: Road open Easter weekend. From Good Friday 29 March to Easter Monday 1 April 2024, road will be open and repair works will shut down. Repair works resume Tuesday 2 April 2024. Council appreciates your patience and extends good will for a safe Easter weekend. Note: Load limits are removed at Site 1 rural address 19 in favourable weather conditions. Find details under - About the works. 

12/3/2024 - Announcement: Load limits removed at Site 1 - rural address 19. Due to the structural aspects of landslip repairs progressing at Site 1 – rural address 19, the load limit is removed in favourable weather conditions. This may change, depending on rainfall and observations on site as works progress. Subscribe to this page for updates. 

27/2/2024 - Announcement: Stormwater repair works on Wattamolla Road have now been completed by Council’s Northern District Team. 
Resealing of the pavement will be carried out in the coming weeks with minimal traffic disruptions.

The latest: Stormwater repair works have now been completed by Council’s Northern District Team. Resealing of the pavement will be carried out in the coming weeks with minimal traffic disruptions. Contractor Symal released revised construction program. Find the updated three-week Lookahead Program 27 February 2024 under Related Documents. Repair works and road closures at each site are also detailed under 'About the works'. 

20/2/2024 - Announcement: Landslip repairs are ongoing. Due to adverse conditions landslip repair works are ongoing to 22 May 2024 with contractor Symal conducting works.
Stormwater repair works are expected to be completed by Saturday 24 February 2024. Councils Northern District team are coordinating works.

2/1/7/2024 to 23/2/2024 – The updated three-week Lookahead program was released each week by contractor, Symal, and published on this page weekly under ‘Related Documents’. Repair works and road closures were also detailed weekly for all sites under ‘About the works’. 

• 05/08/2023 to 22/12/2023 – Updated three-week Lookahead program was released each week by contractor, Symal, and published on this page by council weekly, under ‘Related Information’. Repair works progress and road closures were also detailed weekly for all sites under ‘About the works’.

• 04/08/2023 - Contractor Symal has advised closure of Wattamolla Rd at Landslip 1 (rural address No. 19) is planned Monday 16 Oct continuing until Thursday 23 Nov 2023. Single lane contra traffic flow for all vehicles will operate and be controlled by traffic lights.

  It is unlikely that work on Site 1 (DM00513) will recommence at this location due to ground conditions. The contractor is a source specialist of heavy-duty piling equipment and planning a change in methodology. Work on this site is not expected to commence for another 2 to 3 months. Work on Site 2 (DM00863) may commence before Site 1. Site 3 (DM00551) contract to be let to another contractor with a tentative start date of early September (TBC).

• 14/08/2023 - Contractor Symal has advised closure of Wattamolla Rd at Landslip 1 (rural address 19) is planned Monday 16 October through to Thursday 23 Nov 2023. Single lane traffic flow for all vehicles will be controlled by traffic lights.

• 06/07/2023 - Refer and subscribe to Master Project page for related information and updated program of works (see related project). At this stage, work is planned to commence 24 August 2023. Roads currently affected with load limits imposed due to landslips can deteriorate and slip further due to further heavy rainfall. Council has trigger points when deciding to close a road to all traffic for safety reasons.
  
  See an example of a weather event that may trigger a review of load limits without notice in related documents. Please note this example is now superseded by the Road Closures - Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) found on Master Project page.

• 30/03/2023 - For the Landslip design plan see Wattamolla design plan attached under Related Information.

• 30/03/2023 - Landslip repair drop-in sessions: Thursday 30 March 4:00pm - 5:00pm and Thursday 13 April 4:00pm - 5:00pm. Drop by the Kangaroo Valley Hall (177 Moss Vale Rd) where Symal and Council will answer your questions about upcoming roadworks.

• 17/03/2023 - Kangaroo Valley Information Session on Friday 17 March, 7:00pm - 8:00pm (followed by BBQ) at Kangaroo Valley Community Hall. Meet contractor Symal and get briefing on the start of landslip works.

• 04/03/2023 - The latest construction program proposed by contractor Symal for the 38 the Major Landslip repair work has been released. The construction program lists the planned start and finish date for each of the 38 land slips. A summary of the construction program is available on the Major Landslip Package Planned Program of Work. A copy of the construction program is also available on the right-hand side of the Master Project Page in the Related Documents section.

• 15/02/2023 - Contract awarded - Council has resolved to proceed with the appointment of infrastructure and construction group Symal to repair the 38 major landslips. Council has provided Symal a schedule of works which prioritises the most urgent landslips with the first round of works to begin in late March 2023. To view the list of major landslips and the assigned construction priorities, refer to the Major landslip package priorities on the Master Project Page

• 06/01/2023 - The temporary gravel access track over the landslip has deteriorated and requires the placement of additional gravel material. These works will be carried out on 09/01/2023 under traffic control. Please plan for delays if travelling through this location during the works or consider alternate routes.

• 22/12/2022 - Four tenders for the repair of 38 landslips were received. A comprehensive evaluation process has been completed and a recommendation has been forwarded to Public Work Advisory (PWA) for endorsement. It is anticipated that PWA will evaluate the tender acceptance report and respond to Council mid-January. Further information can be found on the Master Project Page

• 03/11/2022 - Following months of geotechnical investigations, design work and tender preparation, Council is now seeking contractors to bid on the 38 landslips deemed a priority. Submissions close 6 December 2022.Shoalhaven Area - Remediation of Multiple Slips - RFT - 10053781.

• 15/10/2022 - Maintaining road safety and access across the city remains Council's highest priority and Council is working hard to fast track the repair work at the site and thus increase/remove the load limits as soon as possible. The current load limit on this road is 9Tonne.

• 06/10/2022 - With rainfall forecast for the Shoalhaven, Council reminds residents that it may become necessary to close access roads previously impacted by land slips. The trigger is 40mm of rain within any 24-hour period. Council will provide as much warning as possible should this occurs. Maintaining road safety and access across the city remains Council's highest priority.

• 23/09/2022 - Following record rain events, Council has recorded 98 landslides as a high priority, with a focus on 35 sites that are deemed most urgent. We've now finished geotechnical investigations at these 35 sites, leading the way for designs to be completed in the coming weeks. The designs form part of a works package that will go out to tender in October.

• 16/09/2022 - Geotechnical engineers will be conducting a site investigation on Wattamolla Road, Tuesday 13th September 2022. The road will be open, under traffic control.

• 02/09/2022 - Across the Shoalhaven, of the 98 landslides that were of highest priority, a consolidated scope of 35 will form a tender package that will be going out to market prior to Christmas. Included within that tender package is, amongst others, Woodhill Mountain, Wattamolla, and Bunkers Hill Road. The start date of contract work is likely in the new year, in the interim, regular surveillance continues.

• 22/08/2022 - Confirming the traffic lights have been changed to: Green for 25 seconds, Amber for 5 seconds and Red for 15 seconds.

  Further, from community feedback, a proposal for the lights to be removed at this location is being considered. Understanding there is adequate sight distance though the slip the proposal is for a one-lane, give way arrangement.

• 04/08/2022 - Work is now complete to allow one lane of traffic. There is a 4.5tonne maximum load limit has been placed on the access road. The Landslip (2) is located along Wattamolla Road, about 2.5km west of Mountain Road and Wattamolla Road intersection.

• 21/07/2022 - Repair work continued this week and is currently on track. Single lane road access on Wattamolla Rd will commence in the next coming days. Website will be updated when the road is open. Council continues to monitor the site with geotechnical communication due to the Bureau expecting heavy rain.

• 23/06/2022 - Repair works are on track. Residents are advised that work will continue into the weekend.

• 16/06/2022 - Repair works commenced on Tuesday 14/06/22 - This Road continues to be closed and residents are reminded to limit parking at the landslide location to the side of the road to allow heavy vehicle to access the site for construction works.

• 14/06/2022 - Residents are reminded to limit parking at the landslide location to the side of the road to allow heavy vehicles to access the site for construction works commencing Wednesday 15th June.

• 09/06/2022 - Council have taken possession of the landslip site in preparation for contractors to mobilise and commence works week starting 14/06/22. Residents currently parking cars across the site location are advised to please limit parking to the side of the road to allow large vehicles accessing the road from next week.

• 02/06/2022 - A contractor has now been engaged to construct the interim solution designed by council for landslip 1. At this location a single lane of traffic with a 10 tonne load limit will be open once construction works are complete by the end of June /early July 2022. Short term recommendations remain in place for landslip 2 and will continued to be monitored by council.

• 26/05/2022 - This section of the road is still closed. Contractors are being engaged to construct the final design for the interim solution. The interim solution will allow one lane traffic with a 10-tonne load limit. Road planned to be opened to traffic from late June - early July 2022 weather permitting.

• 10/05/2022 - Geotechnical investigations have now been complete. Concept design for interim access and ratification is under review. This will first stage which will be followed by Stage two which will be the final ratification. The open sections of road continue to operate under traffic control conditions where load and speed limits apply.

• 20/04/2022 - Geotechnical investigations, detailed survey works, and initial design reports will start in the week commencing 25 April.

Landslip 1

The landslip is located along Wattamolla Road, 130 m west of Mountain Road and Wattamolla Road intersection.

Geotechnical engineers have completed investigation work, design work will be completed end of October. Tenders called early November, closing mid-December and construction to commence early 2023.

The site is comprised of a fill formation constructed on a north facing hill and is located above an undulating gully to the north where slope movement has occurred in the past.

The area is located on a large relict landslide which extends 100 m to the west. A significant rotational slide has occurred on the crest of this slide.

Short-term recommendations include:

• Road kept out of service. Given the movement on the slide, it is likely to continue to creep downslope over time, with ongoing repairs required to the road. Remedial works will require support to the edge of the road. The other option is possible water wells to manage the water, but given the location, having this run of solar power etc may be difficult.

• Monitor for ongoing movements.

• Short term reinstatement for drill rig access could be undertaken to allow geotechnical investigation and establish ground conditions. This may facilitate one lane access for local residents - with it noted that such works is likely to be subject to on going creep movements and will not provide a long term solution.

Landslip 2

The landslip is located along Wattamolla Road, about 2.5km west of Mountain Road and Wattamolla Road intersection. Work has been completed.

The site is comprised of a cut and fill formation constructed on a north facing hill and is located above a wide alluvial gully to the north.

The up hill side (cut) is comprised of colluvial soils underlain by rock. The down hill side (fill) is comprised of an very steep embankment retained in part with a concrete retaining wall (which we understand has bored piles supporting it).

Tension cracks are observed through the centreline of the road behind the retaining wall and continue to the east where a notable slip has occurred associated with a gully to the north.

Short-term recommendations include:

• Keep east bound lane out of service. The west bound lane can be opened for local residential access in the short term.

• Monitor for ongoing movements behind the retaining wall.

• Sandbag behind the tension cracks to divert water around the slippage.

Landslip 3

The landslip is located along Wattamolla Road, about 3.5km west of Mountain Road and Wattamolla Road intersection.

Geotechnical engineers have completed investigation work and design work will be completed by end of October with Tenders being called early November, closing mid-December and construction early 2023.

• 14/06/2023 - The last update for this project is current. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

• 07/02/2023 - Council is carrying out road/drainage maintenance works on Wattamolla Rd at this site on Tuesday 7th February and Wednesday 8th February 2023. Please allow for extra time as traffic control will be in place.

• 01/02/2023 - The original design solution for the landslip at rural address 681 Wattamolla Road has been reviewed. Realigning Wattamolla Rd at this location is no longer a viable option.

• 01/02/2023 - There is a total of nine (9) moderate to major landslips requiring repair along Wattamolla Rd as result of the 2022 severe weather events. Two (2) landslips are classified as major and are included in the Major Landslip repair package to commence March 2023. Locations are rural addresses 13 and 356. Refer separate Wattamolla Roadworks page for information regarding the Major Landslip repair work. A further six (6) landslips are classified as “moderate” and are included in a separate landslip repair work package still being developed. Locations are rural addresses 310, 366, 388, 396, 404 and 405.

  Another landslip at rural address 681 is now also classified as major. The original rectification solution for this landslip site was to re-align and shift the road away from the landslip. However, upon further investigation, this road realignment option was deemed unviable due the presence of public utilities adjacent to the road. As a result, the realignment solution has been reconsidered and it is now instead proposed to stabilise the existing road embankment using structural engineering solutions such as soil nailing, bored piers or retaining walls. Once the design solution is finalised, rectification works will be costed before construction work is carried out by mid to late 2023. In the meantime, the current load limit of 9 tonnes, associated traffic management, and vehicle weight limit exemption application process will remain in place.

• 22/12/2022 - Four tenders for the repair of 38 landslips were received. A comprehensive evaluation process has been completed and a recommendation has been forwarded to Public Work Advisory (PWA) for endorsement. It is anticipated that PWA will evaluate the tender acceptance report and respond to Council mid-January. Further information can be found on the Master Project Page Severe weather events reconstruction work - 2022 | Shoalhaven City Council (nsw.gov.au)

• 03/11/2022 - Following months of geotechnical investigations, design work and tender preparation, Council is now seeking contractors to bid on the 38 landslips deemed a priority. Submissions close 6 December 2022.Shoalhaven Area - Remediation of Multiple Slips - RFT - 10053781.

• 20/10/2022 - Pothole repair was completed along Wattamolla Rd 25 October 2022. It is regularly being monitored and repaired where and when necessary.

• 15/10/2022 - Maintaining road safety and access across the city remains Council's highest priority and Council is working hard to fast track the repair work at the site and thus increase/remove the load limits as soon as possible. The current load limit on this road is 9 tonnes.

• 06/10/2022 - Following record rain events, Council has recorded 98 landslides as a high priority, with a focus on 35 sites that are deemed most urgent. We've now finished geotechnical investigations at these 35 sites, leading the way for designs to be completed in the coming weeks. The designs form part of a works package that will go out to tender in October.

• 02/09/2022 - Across the Shoalhaven, of the 98 landslides that were of highest priority, a consolidated scope of 35 will form a tender package that will be going out to market prior to Christmas. Included within that tender package is, amongst others, Woodhill Mountain, Wattamolla, and Bunkers Hill Road. The start date of contract work is likely in the new year, in the interim, regular surveillance continues.

• 22/08/2022 - Works have now been completed at Roadside Mail Address 681and the section of road is now open to two lanes of traffic. Restoration works have now commenced at Roadside Mail Address 250 and are expected to be completed within two weeks.

• 21/07/2022 - Wattamolla (Minor) - Works are scheduled to start on landslide Roadside Mail Address 681 on Monday 25 July. Works already underway on Roadside 2.5k west of Woodhill Mountain Road are expected to be completed within the next two weeks and include restoration of the road and return of two lanes of traffic.

• 14/07/2022 - Repair work has commenced with our contractors onsite this week.

• 07/07/2022 - Landslip CH2.5 design now drafted.

• 16/06/2022 - Preparation works underway for contractor engagement while design review process is being finalised.

• 09/06/2022 - Final design is currently under review by the geotechnical engineer which, once complete, can be issued for construction. One lane access continues with 10 tonne limit.

• 02/06/2022 - Design work continues. One lane continues to be open with load restrictions remaining at 10 tonne.

• 26/05/2022 - Works currently on track with Geotechnical investigation analysis design in progress. Load limits remain in place under supervision of our traffic control team. ( 10Tonne or as sign posted ) One Lane access remains open for residents.

• 10/05/2022 - Initial investigations are complete with design ratification being undertaken.

• 21/04/2022 -NSW Public Works Advisory advises that they may have capacity and access to experienced engineers and agree to a preliminary site inspection to be arranged after ANZAC day to determine if this is the case.

• 14/04/2022 - Rain eased Expert Engineering inspection carried out yesterday revealing concerns that the road slip is part of a much wider slip area. No obvious fix solutions are apparent and expert consultants will need to be engaged.

• 07/04/1022 - Heavy rain all day the slumped road still moving. No site work possible. Pedestrian access through the site still available

• 31/03/2022 - Consistent rain all week no site action possible. Pedestrian access through the site still available.

• 20/03/2022 - More rain over the weekend and the slumped road still settling. Pedestrian access around the site available.

• 11/03/2022 - Immediate works have already been undertaken to remove debris, clear and allow the road to be open to traffic movement as soon as possible. Field investigations have been completed. Geotechnical investigations, detailed survey works, and initial design reports will most likely start in the week commencing 1 May.