Major disaster recovery works are set to begin on Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road in the Southern Highlands, restoring two transport corridors that have been repeatedly damaged by floods and severe weather.
The $6.1 million project, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, will be delivered by Wingecarribee Shire Council and will target long-term safety, resilience, and network performance.
For regional freight operators, emergency services, and local industries, the works are a critical step in stabilising routes that are essential to keeping communities supplied and connected.
Why these roads matter for freight and access
Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road are key local links supporting freight movements, tourism traffic, agricultural supply chains and access for emergency services across the Southern Highlands.
Repeated flood and storm events have caused slope failures, drainage damage and pavement deterioration, creating safety risks, load restrictions and reliability issues for heavy vehicles.
The recovery works are designed not just to repair damage, but to strengthen the roads against future extreme weather, reducing the risk of repeated closures that disrupt freight schedules and isolate communities.
Scope of works and construction timeline
Works across both corridors will include slope stabilisation, drainage improvements and pavement reconstruction to restore long-term performance.
On Wombeyan Caves Road, reconstruction will be carried out at seven locations following extensive flood damage. Construction is scheduled to commence in February 2026 and continue through to September 2026.
On Meryla Road, repairs will be carried out at three sites, with works expected to conclude by July 2026.
Construction will be staged to minimise disruption, with traffic impacts limited to active work zones.
Strengthening resilience after repeated disasters
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain says the works would deliver safer and stronger transport links after years of weather-related damage.
“These repairs to Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road will deliver safer and stronger transport links for Southern Highlands communities, ensuring locals, visitors and emergency services can travel with confidence,” McBain says.
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison says rebuilding resilience was essential for keeping regional economies moving.
“Good roads keep communities connected, so families, workers, truckies and local businesses can keep moving – no matter the weather,” she says. “These disaster recovery works on Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road will restore vital transport links and ensure they are more resilient to future weather events.”
Supporting recovery, productivity and safety
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin says the project reflected a shift from planning to action for disaster-affected communities.
“Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road are critical local connections, and this investment will restore access, improve safety and strengthen community resilience ahead of future floods, storms or fires,” Saffin says.
Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick says the funding would allow long-awaited repairs to move into construction.
“These works will restore damaged infrastructure and help maintain safe and reliable access for residents, emergency services, businesses, and visitors,” Fitzpatrick says.