Some residents are incensed that Central Coast Council has closed Yakalla St at Bateau Bay until July as it prepares for repairs to a road bridge over a flood drain.
A spokesperson said many residents deemed the work unnecessary and all that was needed was a footpath on either side of the bridge.
“Council has spent six months playing with their Tonka trucks and diggers in preparation and now have closed Yakalla St until July – five months to (fix this) bridge,” he said.
“This means Yakalla St will be closed over Easter and two lots of school holidays – happy times for not only the locals but also tourists.”
The spokesperson said traffic chaos would ensue.
He said that at 3.30pm on March 7 the traffic coming from Long Jetty was backed up from Swaddling St to the Shelly Beach roundabout.
“This was due to all the Bay Village customers who would normally use Yakalla St having to go to the Shelly Beach roundabout,” he said.
“And it will be like that for months.
“Let’s hope with the upcoming Council election we have someone in charge who has the best interests of ratepayers, residents and tourists (at heart).”
A Council spokesperson said Yakalla St had been closed earlier than anticipated to allow for emergency works following geotech advice obtained during pre-planning of future works, which will involve replacement of drainage culverts.
“A detour will be in place along Central Coast Hwy, through Shelly Beach Rd and Grandview St,” they said.
“Pedestrian access through Yakalla St will remain available.
“Motorists and pedestrians are advised to take care, follow signage and allow extra travel time.
“Council apologises for any inconvenience and will keep the public informed of any changes via (its) Facebook page.”
To stay up to date with the project’s progress, visit Council’s Capital Works Map at https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/about-council/capital-works-program
Who is this mystery “Spokesperson”? How did they determine these works aren’t necessary? Are they a civil engineer? I doubt it, probably just another case of “I reckon…”.
We live in a beautiful part of the world. I suggest this writer stops spending their days watching “Council… playing with their Tonka trucks and diggers” and goes out and enjoys themselves!
Overspending! Needed is traffic slowing outside houses 126-132 Swadling st. Major headache major problem. Bike danger. Kiddie danger.
If EDSACC sports grounds allowed access from the south (instead of one way traffic) students, croquet players, tennis players etc would not need to queue to access the car park from Yakalla Street to hitch would assist the flow of traffic in the morning peak hour.
Stop whinging, all these drama queens