Hoss Causeway flood improvements

Following a temporary halt due to issues with culverts, the Hoss Causeway project is now expected to be completed in December, weather permitting.

Roads and Maritime Services has worked closely with Gunnedah Council and its supplier to investigate solutions for this issue to ensure the long term durability and sustainability of the upgraded causeway.

The supplier has started work to manufacture the replacement culverts.

Finding a suitable long term solution was vitally important and we thank motorists for their patience during this time.

Each day almost 4000 motorists travel along the Oxley Highway between Gunnedah and Tamworth.

When it rains, localised flooding of the Hoss Causeway (immediately east of Carroll) and Tommy Swamp (about seven kilometres west of Carroll) as well as possible overflow from the Namoi River, can result in the temporary closure of the Oxley Highway, causing lengthy delays for motorists.

Roads and Maritime is proposing to upgrade the road to minimise water flowing across the Oxley Highway.

The upgrade will involve raising the road level and installing new drainage at Hoss Causeway and Tommy Swamp on the Oxley Highway. We are also proposing to raise the road level on Gunnembene Lane.

These measures will allow the highway to remain open in flood events (up to one in five year interval floods).

The key benefits of the project are to:

• Increase the flood immunity at the Hoss Causeway and Tommy Swamp to one in five year year standard
• Reduce the frequency of the Oxley Highway being cut by floodwater
• Improve safety by removing the dip at Tommys Swamp
• Minimise future maintenance requirements.