Drivers warned as pothole repairs launch on key north shore roads

North shore councils have revealed how long it could take to fix major potholes that have emerged during Sydney’s wild weather as mechanics say they are ‘flat out’ repairing major damage to cars.

Floods and torrential rain have destroyed not just livelihoods and homes but have also created a plethora of potholes on busy north shore roads.

Across the region, motorists are having to dodge and manoeuvre the new obstacles on key thoroughfares including the Pacific Hwy, Mona Vale Rd, Ourimbah Rd, and Eastern Valley Way.

In Ku-ring-gai, the council has already received 39 pothole notifications.

Dangerous potholes have emerged across the north shore.

“Potholes currently reported on local roads are expected to be completed by the end of this week, with 15 outstanding jobs as at March 9,” a council spokeswoman said.

“A number of local roads throughout Ku-ring-gai (are impacted). Repairs to major arterial roads such as Mona Vale Road are managed by the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

“It is hard to estimate (the full repair bill) due to the current conditions and the potential for damage to reoccur.”

A photo of particularly bad potholes on Mona Vale Rd.

In Lane Cove, about 50 potholes have been identified over the past two weeks on 30 roads and council has an aim to make them safe within one to three days

It’s a similar story in Mosman where approximately 27 potholes on 21 roads have been reported to the council.

A council spokeswoman said repairs were expected to cost $30,000 and encouraged drivers to avoid Parriwi Rd until works have been completed.

“Work is being carried out on a priority basis, with most being made safe by the end of the week ahead of formal rectification works in coming weeks,” she said.

The plethora of potholes has also kept the region’s mechanics in hot demand including at Mycar Tyre and Auto in Neutral Bay.

A photo of the road clean-up in Ku-ring-gai.

“We’ve been flat out and we’ve had a huge amount of people coming in with tyre and rim damage,” manager Cameron Boyle said.

“Mostly it’s impact damage, a lot of tyres are needing to be replaced and we’ve also had a few people with bent and cracked rims.

“Most of the work we usually see is nails and things like that but at the moment there’s quite severe damage and fractures as well.”

Councils have encouraged motorists to be aware of water over the road, drive slowly when avoiding potholes and be aware of surroundings.

In Willoughby, there have been 42 potholes reported across 21 roads to date.

“The council should have a temporary repair in place for these reported potholes within two to three days, weather pending,” a council spokeswoman said.

“Potholes on RMS roads have been reported but no timeline is available at this time for their repair.

“(Drivers should) avoid potholes where possible by switching lanes. Otherwise, do not drive over them too fast to avoid further damage and possibility of kicking up small stones and rocks.”

The council has estimated fixing the potholes would cost between $20,000 to $50,000.

“If this weather event is deemed a natural disaster for the Willoughby local government area, further costs may be recouped for permanent repairs through disaster relief funding from the state government,” a spokeswoman said.