Locals angry ‘no one is taking responsibility’
Pittwater residents are calling upon Transport for NSW to urgently fix the subsidence at the Ingleside intersection of Mona Vale Road near the Aboriginal ‘Whale Rock’ engraving, saying it’s dangerous for drivers.
Friends of Mona Vale spokesman Phil Walker, who has put in several Freedom of Information Act GIPAS on the issue, says ‘no one is taking responsibility’ of the dip, which the group claims is due to an ongoing lack of drain maintenance and the impact of this year’s La Nina weather system.
Mr Walker says the road’s big embankment hasn’t been maintained, and now tree roots are obstructing the drain, causing the subsidence and the road to crack on both sides.
“There hasn’t been any drain maintenance for about 20 years. It’s dangerous and a State Government responsibility, but no one is taking responsibility for it,” he says.
“That road has 42,000 cars on it per day and any road that has more than 17,000 cars per lane, per day is critical infrastructure.
“There are 20-year-old privet trees growing out of six foot of silt which is collected around the drain. So, the water hasn’t been running through the drain, it’s been running through the embankment, so it’s hollowing out inside the embankment.
“The west lane of the road started to collapse in February after the heavy rain. Engineers said they reported it in March, but here we are in November, and they still haven’t done anything.”
The residents’ group is also urging Transport for NSW to reduce the speed limit and install warning signs before the dip.
“All we need is one man with one shovel, for one hour, per drain per year,” adds Mr Walker.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson says, “Transport for NSW (Transport) is aware of community concerns in regards to a minor dip on Mona Vale Road near the Kimbriki Tip turn-off, Terrey Hills.
“Road maintenance engineers have investigated the site and determined there was no safety issues for motorists.
“Transport road maintenance inspectors continually monitor Mona Vale Road to ensure it is safe for vehicle use.”
