Torrential rain causes transport chaos

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Long traffic queues along Central Coast roads due to the wet weather. Image: CCNLong traffic queues along Central Coast roads due to the wet weather. Image: CCN

March 2, 2022

REPORT:

Wednesday, March 2, 2022: The Central Coast region has been thrown into traffic and transport chaos today as a result of continuous heavy rainfall. Road closures at major intersections have cut off the region, causing serious traffic queues for locals scrambling at school pick up and commuter hot spots.

Central Coast Highway at West Gosford was closed

The Central Coast Highway at Racecourse Road, West Gosford was closed this afternoon as was low lying areas of Showground Road, effectively cutting off access for residents east of Gosford to and from the freeway.

Transport disruptions

Buses, trains and ferries cancelled scheduled routes or were running to reduced timetables.

The Palm Beach Ferry service was diverted to Patonga earlier today and has since cancelled several services, forcing commuters and students to make other transport arrangements. Timetable and service information can be found at the operator’s website here.

The Palm Beach Ferry was diverted to Patonga, before being cancelled.

Train timetables have been affected by signal related issues on the network at Woy Woy, causing delays on the Central Coast Line. Travellers are asked to follow the service advice apps or see transportnsw.info for updates.

Bus travel has been broadly affected across the region as drivers manage traffic and poor driving conditions. Many buses are travelling along alternate routes due to road closures and passengers are asked to plan ahead and expect delays. Information about specific route delays can be found at transportnsw.info/routes/bus

Many bus services were delayed due to road closures

Council Road Closures

Central Coast Council was forced to close a number of local roads including:

  • Burns Road at Ourimbah,
  • Yarramalong and Bumble Hill roads at Yarramalong,
  • Brickwharf Road and Oval Avenue at Woy Woy,
  • Sea and Shepard Streets and Loval Road in Umina
  • Boonara Road Empire Bay.
Road closure at Showground Road

More roads are expected to be closed throughout the evening. Updated council road closures can be found at the council’s website – link here.

More rain is forecast for Thursday

The Bureau of Meteorology measured 66mm to 5 pm Wednesday at Wyong and more rain is predicted to fall across the region throughout the evening and into tomorrow, Thursday.

BOM FORECAST: For Thursday, March 3, the chance of a thunderstorm. Heavy falls and gusty winds are possible. Winds west to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h shifting easterly in the middle of the day. Winds possibly reaching 65 km/h in the morning.

High tides and run off may cause problems along Brisbane Water Drive

Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing with possible heavy falls of between 100 to 150 mm.

CCN

2 Comments on "Torrential rain causes transport chaos"

  1. Robert Leslie Findley | March 3, 2022 at 6:40 am |

    Why did the government not listen to Maj. General Stretton in 1975 and since then nothing has happened. Both major parties have let down the people of the nation.

  2. Michael | March 3, 2022 at 9:10 am |

    Are we surprised ?
    Seems like our council thrives on making terribly bad decisions based on the fact they rely on us to pay for them

Comments are closed.