Central Coast Highway at the intersection of Racecourse is just one stretch where motorists take their lives in their hands by powering through deep waters after almost every episode of consistent heavy rain.
Lots more rain predicted throughout winter is set to exacerbate the problem from the Woy Woy peninsula to the northernmost reaches of the region.
It’s not an easy fix for Central Coast Council, which has inherited drainage problems brought on by poor planning from councils of long ago.
But the council is taking a step in the right direction with a $1.7million project to minimise the risk of flooding on Chain Valley Bay Road at Chain Valley Bay this month.
The project involves raising 300 metres of the road and replacing an older drainage system with 15 large concrete culverts to transport water under the road rather than over it, and will hopefully be completed by the end of this month (dare we say – weather permitting?).
Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff, said the project would significantly reduce the risk of flooding and overtopping on the important access road.
“The solution we are delivering will dramatically reduce flood incidents and prevent water from sitting on the road, which will be welcome news for the Chain Valley Bay community,” Mr Bolgoff said.
The 2.4 m high by almost 2 m wide culverts will be placed three wide and five deep to form a significant drainage channel.
Mayor Jane Smith said the size and diversity of the Central Coast region called for a range of innovative infrastructure solutions.
“Chain Valley Bay is a beautiful part of the Coast that is unfortunately prone to flooding at this location,” said Mayor Smith.
“The culvert system and new road we are installing will mean Chain Valley Bay residents of this close knit community can breathe a little easier during periods of heavy rain.”
Chain Valley Bay Road will be raised using 2000 tonnes of material and a new road pavement surface will be installed.
Let’s hope this will be the first of many drainage mitigation projects undertaken by the council in coming months.
Long-awaited works are already underway on two notorious wet spots at Ryans Road, Umina, and Avoca Drive.
The project involves raising 300 metres of the road and replacing an older drainage system with 15 large concrete culverts to transport water under the road rather than over it, and will hopefully be completed by the end of this month (dare we say – weather permitting?).
Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff, said the project would significantly reduce the risk of flooding and overtopping on the important access road.
“The solution we are delivering will dramatically reduce flood incidents and prevent water from sitting on the road, which will be welcome news for the Chain Valley Bay community,” Mr Bolgoff said.
The 2.4 m high by almost 2 m wide culverts will be placed three wide and five deep to form a significant drainage channel.
Mayor Jane Smith said the size and diversity of the Central Coast region called for a range of innovative infrastructure solutions.
“Chain Valley Bay is a beautiful part of the Coast that is unfortunately prone to flooding at this location,” said Mayor Smith.
“The culvert system and new road we are installing will mean Chain Valley Bay residents of this close knit community can breathe a little easier during periods of heavy rain.”
Chain Valley Bay Road will be raised using 2000 tonnes of material and a new road pavement surface will be installed.
Let’s hope this will be the first of many drainage mitigation projects undertaken by the council in coming months.
Long-awaited works are already underway on two notorious wet spots at Ryans Road, Umina, and Avoca Drive.
See all scheduled, current and completed roadworks by clicking on ‘view road and drainage projects’ on Council’s website
