Roads repaired as damage bill starts to climb

The Great Southern is on the road to repair as the region continues to mop up after severe rain and flooding earlier this month.

With areas recording nearly 200mm of rain, road networks across the region were left devastated, with several roads force to close.

Roads have now reopened, with South Coast Highway reopened to traffic on Wednesday afternoon.

Main Roads Great Southern regional manager Andrew Duffield said speed restrictions were still in place.

“From Ravensthorpe to Munglinup, that was the section closed because (we) had a number of bridges damaged and severe scours,” he said.

“All of damage closure in the Gnowangerup-Borden area, all roads are open in that area, but still in process of rectifying damage but all roads open. We’ve undertake some repairs but further is to be done ... repairs to damage is to be undertaken over next 12 months, its a big exercise.”

Phillips Bridge is still destroyed and an 80km detour is in place, but Mr Duffield said a side track to replace the detour was set to be opened in the coming weeks.

The side track will be in place during winter while a new bridge is built.

Mr Duffield said the damage bill had hit about $20 million for State-managed roads and $30 million for the local road network, which was still being addressed.