Easier access to Milbrodale attractions after road upgrade

Published on 04 September 2023

Road safety improvements are now complete along Welshs Road, making the journey through Milbrodale a smoother one for residents and visitors to the area’s cultural and adventure attractions.

A one-kilometre stretch of the once gravel road, home to the heritage-listed Baiame Cave and 4WD haven Tuff Truck, has been widened and sealed, with additional drainage infrastructure installed.

Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr, Council’s Director Infrastructure and Planning Services said adding more drainage along Welshs Road was a key focus of the overall project to improve road safety.

“In past flooding events, Welshs Road has gone underwater which has made it impassable to residents and also caused damage to the road pavement,” he said.

“We recognised that in order to improve safety along Welshs Road we needed additional drainage, both under the road and to capture run-off, to ensure it can withstand day-to-day traffic and any future flooding emergencies.

“Not only will these upgrades benefit residents, but it will make accessing the local attractions found along this road easier and more appealing for visitors.”

Welshs Road has been sealed from the start of Milbrodale Road to the end of the Council-owned section of the road.

A range of additional drainage improvements have been made to Welshs Road as part of the one-kilometre upgrade.

Additional pipes have been laid underneath the new bitumen surface to improve drainage.

Table drains have been placed either side of the road to create an active drainage channel, and more vegetation planted along the road corridor to ease potential erosion.

This $517,000 project was funded entirely from The Mount Thorley Warkworth Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA).