Petitions calls for Old Razorback Rd to be reopened to two-way traffic after flood damage

Hundreds of residents have signed a petition over concerns a major Macarthur road will not remain open to two way traffic in the long-term. Find out what the council proposes instead.

Old Razorback Rd has suffered damage during multiple flood events in 2022.

Hundreds of residents have signed a petition slamming a decision not to keep a “crucial thoroughfare” open for two-way traffic, as Wollondilly Shire Council cites safety concerns.

During the 2022 floods, Old Razorback Rd suffered a large upslope landslide, two minor upslope landslides and downslope landslide.

The council is currently accessing Natural Disaster Funding to repair the land slippages and road reconstruction in specific locations damaged during storm events.

Once completed, the road will be reopened as it was prior to closure.

However for a longer-term plan the council has proposed three options including, one-way traffic flow throughout; partial one-way and partial two-way traffic flow; or to close the road permanently to through traffic.

The council has expressed concerns over the safety of road users, saying the road narrow because of the steep terrain which means it is susceptible to landslips after heavy rain, and also prevents widening the road.

Alison Lee has lived on Mount Hercules Rd for more than 12 years and was “outraged” by council’s handling of the situation.

“I don’t live on that road but I used it daily to get to Cawdor, Camden or wherever,” Ms Lee said.

“It is well used and people have been impacted by the closure over the last 12 months.

“It also is no longer an alternative route between Picton and Camden when accidents occur on Remembrance Drive which is a major black spot, with several recent road closures causing significant traffic jams.”

Ms Lee started a change.org petition and cited concerns over impacts to the enrolments on the small Cawdor Public School and emergency service access.

She blasted the council for the “inappropriate” level of community consultation and said the “crucial thoroughfare” needed to be reopened to two-way traffic.

“I think its appalling they did not actually ask us the question, so when the survey first opened people assumed they had to pick an option,” Ms Lee said.

“It was not open consultation, it was more tick the least terrible option.”

Wollondilly Shire Council Mayor Matt Gould, pictured during the 2022 floods, says residents have expressed safety concerns about Old Razorback Rd. Picture: Annie Lewis

Mayor Matt Gould said the council has been carrying out repairs to Old Razorback Rd following land slippages, and will soon reopen the road to two-way traffic.

“We’re currently consulting the community on potential options for how the road will operate long term and are open to all options, including maintaining the status quo.”

“The challenge is providing safe access. Prior to the land slippage, council heard community concerns about road safety on Old Razorback Road due to its narrowness and steep terrain.

“With the road closed for repairs, this was a good time to seek community feedback on potential options to improve safety long-term.”

Mr Gould said community consultation would conclude this Friday, and they had received a “variety of perspectives”.

“The feedback will be used to inform consideration of possible solutions which will be reported to council’s Traffic Committee, who will then provide a recommendation to the elected council to make a final decision on the road’s future operation,” he said.