The RMS is seeking feedback on the proposed Kings Highway closure, which it says is needed to reduce the risk of landslides on the vital link.

It plans to carry out slope stabilisation work between Pooh Corner and the top of Clyde Mountain and says the road closures are crucial to ensure the safety of workers and motorists.

The closures are proposed from 7.30am on Tuesday to 5pm on Thursday for five weeks, weather permitting.

Eurobodalla Mayor Lindsay Brown said he was very concerned about both the timing and the impact the closures would have on the community from an economic and health perspective.

“It’s frustrating and another kick for the economy,” Cr Brown said.

“I’m not sure what can be done, but all options need to be explored.

“And it’s short notice. We have got about 10 days to get back to them.”

The RMS plans to start the work in late May but says there is flexibility in the timings and dates of the closures. It’s asked for feedback by April 24.

The project comes in response to a massive landslip 12 months ago, which closed the road for six days and had a devastating impact on the Eurobodalla economy.

Since the slip in 2012, RMS has carried out a broader geotechnical assessment of the site and the Clyde Mountain. The investigations assessed the stability of the mountain and looked at the current rock fall protection measures in place. They identified a need to improve the safety and stability of the slopes above the Kings Highway at the slip site and treatments to minimise the potential for future landslides.

The RMS says it’s planning to remove loose rock material from the slope above the road and install additional permanent protective structures such as rock fall mesh, rock bolts and concrete buttresses.

It is proposing to carry out the work over the next 12 months in two stages. Stage one will involve scaling the slope to remove hazardous vegetation, rocks and boulders. This will increase slope stability and identify and prepare the slope for the installation of more permanent protective measures. Stage two will involve the installation of permanent protective structures including the installation of more robust fencing, rock bolts and netting.The RMS says it has considered other options, including intermittent closures, shorter work days, night days or full week closures and opening the road after work each day, however all had significant disadvantages.

“With the proposed three-day closure, larger scale works can be planned and areas where the site could become more unstable can be completed first, allowing greater certainty of re-opening the road each Thursday afternoon,” it said.

“The proposed option is also more efficient by not having to set up and pack up every day and will allow road clearing work to be carried out on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.”

Cr Brown said he was concerned “green tape” was adding to the delays.

“When the slide happened, we could have fixed it in less than half the time if we could have pushed the debris over the edge rather than truck it out,” he said.

“And if the road hadn’t been there it would have gone down the slope anyway.”

“I’m concerned we are getting caught up in green tape.”

Batemans Bay Chamber of Commerce president Natasha Driscoll said limited access would be just another blow to the business community.

“Obviously there is a reason they need to do it and it may prevent a further landslide,” she said. “But as a Chamber we would be concerned about the impact it will have on our town. 

“We will be looking for further information to understand why it is happening - has a report been done or has there been significant movement to warrant this now or is it just prevention?

“We would also look to see if there are any alternatives.”

 During the work the Kings Highway will be closed to through traffic from Cabbage Tree Creek to River Forest Road (Mongo National Park turnoff).

During closures, light vehicles would be diverted at Braidwood and Batemans Bay for detour through Nowra, adding about 2½ hours to the journey.

Motorists travelling east from Braidwood would be diverted onto the Braidwood-Nerriga Road and then via the Princes Highway to Batemans Bay.

Motorists travelling west from Batemans Bay would have to take the Princes Highway near Nowra, then BTU Road, then the Braidwood-Nerriga Road to Braidwood.

Motorists travelling to and from the far south of the state would be advised to go by Brown Mountain on the Snowy Mountains Highway. Heavy vehicles would use either Picton Road or the Snowy Mountains Highway.

Araluen Road is not a recommended alternative route for any type of vehicle during the proposed road closure.