In March 2021, a landslip caused damage to Naughtons Gap Road in New South Wales' Northern Rivers region. Made worse by the 2022 floods, this saw the closure of the critical piece of infrastructure.

For the past 3 years, residents residing near the landslip have had to navigate the closure. With some travelling over half-an-hour to get to Lismore. 

Building Naughtons Gap Road back better

Funding for the $15.8 million disaster recovery project came through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. It is the first completed Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP) project.  

The Richmond Valley Council used material recovered from the landslip on other projects. This resulted in a saving of $2.4 million in disposal fees.  

The project aimed to improve not just replace the road, and included:

• the construction of catch fencing to contain future falling debris
• the implementation of a soldier pile wall
• ground anchors, extensive earthworks, drainage and pavement reconstruction, and
• over 2,500 cubic meters of concrete to stabilise the road.  

Locals came out to celebrate the re-opening of Naughton’s Gap Road on Friday 6 December. There was a touch of automotive history to mark the celebration, with the first two cars to drive through a 1953 FJ Holden and a 1950 Bedford. 

Following the completion of the project, motorists are enjoying the reduced travel time and peace of mind knowing the region is more resilient against future hazards.