Released 03/08/2016
Operational crews from Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) are working hard to repair damage caused by heavy rain, snow and high winds experienced across the region over the past few weeks.
“Recent inclement weather has caused over 300 of trees to fall down or drop branches, while also causing the formation of potholes and localised flooding,” Deputy Director-General, City Services, Jim Corrigan said.
“Many people would be aware of the significant damage to trees and other infrastructure caused by the recent storm events. TCCS crews have been working tirelessly to repair damage caused and remove debris, but the unusually wet and windy weather is causing delays. There were 21 rain days recorded in Canberra in July, well above the average of 11.
“The 300 plus trees were either blown over or damaged by the recent wet and windy conditions. The wet weather has caused the ground to become soft, making some trees unstable. Tree teams are clearing trees and branches that have fallen onto roads and driveways as a priority but the sheer volume of work means some fallen trees and branches in parkland may not cleared for some weeks.
“Whilst considerable work is focussed on clearing vegetation, assessment of trees that have been damaged by falling branches is also essential to determine if the tree remains stable.
“Roads ACT crews have also been responding to a large number of reports, including over 200 in regards to potholes and approximately 160 in regards to flooding or debris on roads. Crews have also managed numerous road closures in urban and rural areas as a result of dangerous weather conditions. Work to repair the damage caused to our roads is ongoing but is impacted by the continuing rain.
“Residents are also being advised that the weather may have affected streetlights, and to report any streetlight outages they see. TCCS is working with its contractors to have streetlights repaired as soon as possible.”
Issues related to roads, trees and streetlights can be reported to Access Canberra 13 22 81 or to the Fix My Street online form at www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/forms/fixmystreet/
“The continual wet weather has also impacted the progress and completion of a range of projects, particularly road upgrades and work to improve the stormwater networks across the city,” Mr Corrigan said.
“We apologise for the extended impact of these works and endeavour to complete them as soon as possible.”
For up-to-date information on road closures please call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or please visit www.tccs.act.gov.au
- Statement ends -
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