Motorists urged to stay safe by avoiding Lilli Pilli worksite

Eurobodalla Shire Council is urging motorists to be extra cautious at the roadworks site on George Bass Drive, near Lilli Pilli, following instances of vehicles driving through it. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.

Eurobodalla Shire Council is pleading with motorists to stay clear of roadworks in the north of the shire to allow workers to safely realign George Bass Drive, near Lilli Pilli.

Council is urging residents and road users to follow road closure directions amid reports of people putting themselves at risk by driving through council’s worksite at Grandfathers Gully.

George Bass Drive was closed at Lilli Pilli in June to enable council workers to safely undertake major earthworks to realign the road.

However, senior project engineer George Workman said at least once a day people are either ignoring or not noticing road closure signage and driving through the site – creating a potentially dangerous situation.

He said that while the northern end of the worksite is fully blocked, the southern end is being kept partially open to allow work vehicles to move in and out.

“In addition to barriers and clear signage, we’ve also stationed someone at the southern entrance to do traffic control, however we’re still seeing one or two cars a day driving through,” said Mr Workman.

“Safety is the primary reason we closed the road and it puts everyone on high alert.

“It’s quite difficult to see a small car from behind the wheel of a 72-tonne dump truck with tyres two metres tall.

“We have a responsibility to the safety of workers so our team will now be reporting anyone ignoring the directions of our traffic controllers directly to NSW Police.

“We’re really appreciative of the cooperation of the vast majority of the community who are doing the right thing and using the detour road available.”

Commuters should continue to use Tallgums Way, The Ridge Road and Link Road to access either side of the road closure.

Meanwhile, further south, council has extended the closure of North Head Drive, south of Moruya Airport, until Friday, 20 August.

Cooler weather is preventing excess moisture in the road sub-base from drying out, making the road unsuitable for sealing. Commuters should continue to use the Princes Highway/Broulee Road detour.

More information about Eurobodalla Shire Council’s roads projects is available here.