Background

In February 2012, two sections of road embankment failed on Wisemans Ferry Road at Gunderman. As a result of the high cost of reinstating the two travel lanes a semi-permanent closure of one lane at both sites remains in place. The natural disasters and storm events of 2021-2022, saw a number of sites along Wisemans Ferry Road experience widespread damage to the road pavement and embankments with landslides and rockfalls occurring at multiple locations. Central Coast Council is working to deliver solutions to get Wisemans Ferry Road back to working order and to better withstand future natural disasters with improved resilience in our road infrastructure.

Following investigation, including specialist geotechnical advice, Council has completed remediation works including completing significant road pavement works at several identified locations, which included two major sections and a new under road culvert. There are remaining sections that have signage and barriers in place with a reduced speed limit through these areas. Traffic signals are in operation at one location where traffic remains reduce to one lane with additional sites also operating as one lane traffic with Give Way signage. 

Council officers are continuing to work with geotechnical consultants to accurately determine the extent of more permanent works along Wisemans Ferry Road, which includes full embankment design and construction. This investigative work has allowed Council to proactively seek grant funding in order to proceed with the design and construction of more permanent restoration works including returning to two travel lanes along Wisemans Ferry Road entire length. 

Current Status

A section of Wisemans Ferry Road (approx. 10km west of Spencer) that was impacted by landslips and instability has a higher risk of further impacts during significant rainfall. 

In accordance with geotechnical expert advice to reduce the risk of further slope instability and safety risks for the public, Council has put in place protocols where the road is temporarily closed when more than 30mm of rain occurs in a 24hr period. Reopening is completed by Council staff and our Geotechnical partner after rain has abated for approximately 8 hours with if road is deemed safe it is opened shortly afterwards.

Notice is being provided to the community on Council’s Facebook page of an impending closure with as much notice as possible. Further updates are provided on the status of the road closure with anticipated re-opening details, and once again when the road has re-opened following an inspection by Council’s geotechnical consultant.

We understand that a temporary road closure on Wisemans Ferry Road creates a major inconvenience to the local communities, however public safety is paramount. 

Currently, our first priority is to undertake remediation works to the section of Wisemans Ferry Rd that requires temporary closure during heavy rainfall, with completion by mid-2025.  Ongoing remediation works along other sections of Wisemans Ferry Rd is anticipated to continue until mid-2026.

Project Funding

Central Coast Council has applied for disaster funding from the Australian and NSW Governments via Transport for NSW. The grant applications for Wisemans Ferry Road have been submitted to complete Essential Public Asset Reconstruction Works to restore the remaining disaster affected sites along Wisemans Ferry Road. 

Currently under review by TfNSW and NSW Reconstruction Authority (formally Resilience NSW) are the following:

1. $18M for the Greengrove area

Council has been advised on the successful outcome of the following:

1. $6.5M Wisemans Ferry Rd for the Spencer area
2. $10.3M Wisemans Ferry Rd for the Gunderman area
3. $1.5M Wisemans Ferry Rd for the last 2km at the Wisemans Ferry end 
4. $16.2M Settlers Rd Wisemans Ferry landslip. (Started)
5. $8.4M for the Wisemans Ferry Road, under the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Program (RRTRP)

Central Coast Council will be utilising tenderers to design and complete these packages of works with the priorities of time, cost and minimal disruption being the cornerstones of their selection. 

In total, there are 43 failures along this road with 25 being in the Greengrove section of Wisemans Ferry Road due to the steep nature of the bank this is an expensive project, a large portion of the road surface will be repaired as part of the remedial work.

Project Updates

Residents will receive advice when construction works are scheduled to commence which impact on travel or access to private properties. 

Central Coast Council has put together a Natural Disaster Site Map for residents and community members to view all sites that have been identified as Natural Disaster Sites, including all the projects occurring along Wisemans Ferry Road. 

A status update for each site, undergoing works, will be updated on a monthly basis or as projects move through the investigation, design and construction phases.

Should you have enquiries regarding any of the natural disaster sites please contact Council by emailing NDprojectmanagement@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au