Stay out, stay safe: Council warns of dangers at Otford Causeway job site

Wollongong City Council is asking residents to stay safe and keep out of the construction site at Otford Causeway. Machinery and equipment at the site includes excavators, drilling equipment, concrete and pump trucks, all of which may be hazardous.

The causeway is closed to all vehicles and pedestrians.

Works started a month ago to replace the old weir, which was destroyed in a rainstorm on February 9, 2023. Works are scheduled for weekdays between 7am and 5pm and on Saturdays between 8am and 1pm, as required.

Since works began, Council reports that they have achieved the following:

• The old causeway concrete structures have been demolished and removed;
• Excavation has been undertaken for the new causeway;
• The concrete blinding layer (beneath the new causeway base slab) has been poured;
• Installation of anchors into the underlying sandstone have started;
• Works are about to start on the construction of the causeway cells. These are the cells that allow the water to flow under the road.

In the latest Neighbourhood Forum 1 report, convenor Warwick Erwin said Council has not released the design of the replacement causeway to the community nor responded to a request from Otford residents and NF1 for a 40kph speed limit on Otford Road.

Residents remain concerned about access for emergency services, the quality of the new causeway and the key access route being closed as fire season approaches.

Council is still working to a four-month completion plan. With works starting in early August, this means the estimated finish date is currently early November.

The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period beings on 1 October and this year locals are being asked to download the new Hazards Near Me NSW free smartphone app, which replaces 'Fires Near Me NSW'.

Read more in Get Ready for fire season.

Check Council's Otford Causeway web page for updates.