The Cessnock LGA has enhanced its flood safety measures with new permanent flood warning and road closure infrastructure at key flood-risk areas. Eleven advanced flashing warning signs and road closure chains have been installed at:
- Old North Road at Black Creek, Rothbury
- Williams Bridge on Paynes Crossing Road, Wollombi
- Lovedale/Allandale Road at Anvil Creek, Allandale
These solar-powered signs can be activated remotely and alert drivers to flooding and road closures before they reach dangerous areas, allowing them to turn around safely. Designed for extended flood events, the signs improve safety for all road users. Additionally, warning lights and signs have been installed on Wollombi Road, Millfield, advising of flood impacts and road closures further into the Wollombi Valley.
Funded by the Commonwealth and NSW State governments, this initiative will help the Council and NSW SES – Cessnock City Unit respond quickly to storm and flood events.
For a reminder of the dangers of ignoring road closure signs, revisit a major rescue at Old North Road, Rothbury a few years ago: Dramatic Storm Rescue at Rothbury.