Blacks Drain upgrade begins on Tweed Valley Way

A MAJOR upgrade to the Blacks Drain crossing on Tweed Valley Way in South Murwillumbah has begun, aiming to deliver a safer and more flood-resilient road for the community.

The project will replace the repeatedly damaged crossing with a stronger, long-term structure designed to better withstand future severe weather.

The crossing has been washed away multiple times after major floods throughout the Tweed’s recorded history.

The site also contains critical underground services, adding to the complexity of the works.

Council’s director engineering Tim Mackney said the upgrade was about delivering a lasting solution.

“This project is about building something that lasts,” Mackney said.

“Every time this road goes under, the whole community feels it – so it’s incredibly important we get this right and deliver a crossing that stands up to the kind of weather we’re seeing more often.”

NSW minister for roads and regional transport Jenny Aitchison said the project reflected the need for infrastructure built for extreme weather conditions.

“I know firsthand what floods do to communities,” Aitchison said.

“I’ve seen the anxiety that sets in as storm season approaches and the uncertainty of not knowing whether the roads will hold. Whether you’ll be able to get work, get your kids to school, or reach someone who needs help,” Minister Aitchison said.

She said the government’s focus was on strengthening roads rather than repeatedly repairing damage.

“The Minns Labor Government is determined to break that cycle by building infrastructure that’s fit for the environment it lives in. Roads and crossings that don’t just get repaired but get built back stronger.”

 

The upgrade is part of a $22 million program targeting 35 causeways across Tweed Shire under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery package.

The improvements at Blacks Drain include a rigid concrete pavement, upgraded pedestrian access, new traffic safety features and concrete slope protection.

About 800 square metres of land on the eastern side of the site will also be formally resumed to allow for the new embankment and scour protection.

Construction is now underway following the tender process earlier this year, with the works expected to take around 20 weeks, weather permitting.

The upgrade is part of broader recovery works across the shire’s flood-damaged road network, including Scenic Drive, Reserve Creek Road, Limpinwood Road, Numinbah Road, Nimbin Road, Kyogle Road and Tyalgum Road.

NSW minister for recovery and North Coast Janelle Saffin said the project was about rebuilding stronger infrastructure for the long term.

“As one of my own local roads, I know this stretch of the Tweed Valley Way well and am pleased to see this upgrade moving forward to keep our community safe and moving,” she said.

“This project is a fantastic example of the three levels of government working together to build back better.”

“Roads in our region are lifelines that keep our communities connected.”