The Oxley Highway will reopen to traffic by this weekend under strict traffic management with the support of escort vehicles and will remain so until the road is fully opened.
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Gary Hartas is the proprietor of the Ginger's Creek store located on the closed section of the road. His accommodation building was destroyed on November 21, and he has had no customers for seven weeks.
Mr Hartas was quick to announce the possibility of the opening of the highway on his Facebook page last weekend however at that time he was under the impression the one-way traffic lane would only remain open until early January.
On Tuesday the RMS announced it would stay in place until the highway was fully operational.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone again.
- Gary Hartas
"We'll be open for business as usual," said Mr Hartas.
"We are looking forward to seeing everyone again."
A 10 kilometre section between Ralfes Trail and the Gingers Creek store will be open to one lane of traffic with alternate flow under the control of escort vehicles from Transport for NSW.
Vehicles will travel at reduced speed in a convoy while under the escort. The exact time and date of the reopening of the highway will be confirmed and announced as soon as possible.
The highway closed to traffic in late October after highway infrastructure and the road surface were heavily impacted by bushfires.
Repair work is still underway and is expected to continue for several weeks into 2020 under traffic control, and motorists are advised to expect lengthy delays. These arrangements will operate 24 hours a day and remain in place until the highway is fully opened to traffic.
Traffic control and a reduced speed limit will be in place in other sections for the safety of workers and motorists.
Up to seven crews have been working at one time to repair this section of the highway, which includes a workforce of more than 60 people working extended hours on rotation.
As there is a risk of rocks or trees falling onto the road surface in the event of high winds or significant rainfall, Transport for NSW may close the highway again at short notice. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
