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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Krystal Sellars

Councils join forces in call for Testers Hollow road design to be 'reconsidered'

FLOOD WATER: Water near the earthworks for the new road at Testers Hollow on July 7. The flood level is higher than the April 2015 storm, when Testers Hollow was closed for 16 days. Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

CESSNOCK and Maitland councils will request a meeting with NSW Regional Roads and Transport Minister Sam Farraway to discuss the design of the new road at Testers Hollow, after issues arose in the recent flood.

Both councils supported mayoral minutes calling for the joint approach, after the road at the border of the two areas was closed due to flooding for the sixth time in 15 years.

Testers Hollow reopened on Wednesday, 16 days after it was cut off by floodwaters.

The construction site of the new road was submerged in the recent flood, leading to concerns that the new road will not be high enough, though Transport for NSW says 275mm of asphalt is to be added to the top.

Cessnock councillors unanimously decided at Wednesday's meeting to write to Transport for NSW, Minister Farraway, and his shadow counterpart Jenny Aitchison, requesting they consider amending the new road design for Testers Hollow.

Due to the increase in population and traffic growth, Cessnock council will also request that the current road at Testers Hollow open to provide four-lane access (two each way), with the ability to run contra flow on the new road in future flood events.

Cessnock mayor Jay Suvaal said there is a need to reassess the flood mitigation options at Testers Hollow due to the increased pressure predicted for the major transport link.

"With significant housing developments planned for the region, and increased population growth, it is essential that infrastructure matches the development for our fast-growing community," Cr Suvaal said.

Cessnock council is also calling on Transport for NSW to take on Buchanan Road/Mount Vincent Road as a state road.

"Buchanan Road/Mount Vincent Road has increased in traffic volumes since the opening of the Hunter Expressway, as well as it now being the main route to the new Maitland Hospital, and it should meet the requirements of a state road," Cr Suvaal said.

Police arrive to close Testers Hollow around 7.30am Tuesday, July 5. Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)
Day 2 of the flood (Wednesday, July 6) and the site of the new road at Testers Hollow is covered in water. Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)
Day 3 of the flood (Thursday, July 7) shows water near the earthworks for the new road at Testers Hollow. The flood level is higher than the April 2015 storm, when Testers Hollow was closed for 16 days. Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)
On Day 4 of the flood (Friday, July 8), boats take residents and supplies from the Cliftleigh side of Testers Hollow into Gillieston Heights, which is an island after also being cut off on the Maitland end of Cessnock Road. Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)
Day 5 of the flood (Saturday, July 9). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow
Day 6 of the flooding (Sunday, July 10) shows water over the turning bay near the Averys Lane at Cliftleigh. Picture: Raise Testers Hollow
A screenshot from a video taken on Day 7 of the flood (Monday, July 11). Via Raise Testers Hollow on Facebook.
Day 8 (Tuesday, July 12). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)
Day 9 (Wednesday, July 13). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)
Day 10 (Thursday, July 14). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)
Day 11 (Friday, July 15). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)
Day 12 (Saturday, July 16). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)
Day 13 (Sunday, July 17). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)
Day 14 (Monday, July 18). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)
Testers Hollow on Tuesday, July 19 (Day 15). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

Maitland councillors unanimously supported a similar motion at council's July 12 meeting, with the addition of relevant federal ministers to be written to.

Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said while he expected it would be difficult to amend a project that is already contracted and under way, it would be appropriate for council to make these representations in response to the community's concerns.

"It merely asks for a reconsideration ... it's not our road, it's not our project, but I do think it's worth the question being asked and options being explored," he said.

Maitland council will also re-affirm its position that Mount Vincent Road/Buchanan Road be reclassified as a state road.

Both councils also resolved to hold a civic reception for emergency services workers and volunteers who assisted during the floods.

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