SIGNIFICANT damage to the Bega Bypass during Tuesday’s rain created a storm of social media commentary.
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Repair work to the southern section of the bypass, between Newtown Rd and the Bega cemetery, began last week.
However, Tuesday’s heavy rain fell while the surface lay exposed, causing multiple potholes and quite a few upset motorists.
Readers took to the Bega District News Facebook page to vent their frustration.
While some joked it looked like the same team that re-tarred the Bathurst race track had been at work on the Princes Hwy, and Wayne Clark likened the road surface to “a herd of elephant footprints”, others weren’t so forgiving.
“If it was built properly to begin with, it never would have been dug up,” wrote Brett Seaton.
“So they spent over 40 years thinking the bypass over and $20million in the making…why on earth would it be deteriorating so fast?” asked Danni Dragonfire.
Several also questioned why the section of road wasn’t cordoned off by Roads and Maritime Services or diversions put in place.
“I was only doing 40 and hit two of these and crunch,” wrote Vicki Hancock.
“Why they just didn't close the road and divert people up Kerrisons Lane is beyond me.
“Would have taken longer but safer.”
“Great job, bloody dangerous too,” added Jen Carder.
“Shouldn't be able to leave it like that even though it's wet.”
Another question asked of RMS by Peter Starr was “why did they begin repairs on the bypass when we knew that there was going to be bad weather this week?”
An RMS spokesperson said the repair of this section of the Princes Hwy was scheduled after the October long weekend to reduce disruption for motorists.
“While weather conditions are factored into all road maintenance, when work started, forecasts did not predict the quantity of rain received this week,” the spokesperson said.
“Crews assessed the site on Tuesday afternoon and implemented a reduced speed limit to 40kmh to ensure safety until the road surface was corrected, which was completed by 8am the following morning.
“Work on this section of road is expected to be completed by the end of next week, after which Roads and Maritime will reseal the entire length of the bypass late next month.”
The RMS said resealing is carried out about 12 months after opening new sections of road to allow time for the initial seal to cure and provide a more durable road surface.
They said the community will be informed of changed traffic conditions in advance of work starting.
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