by Independent Hornsby Councillor Nathan Tilbury
Recently contactors for Transport for NSW completed their fifth major works project in Galston Gorge in less than a decade. Galston Road has been closed for road/bridge/embankment work and upgrades for a total of 17 months during that period.
I am certain that Transport for NSW do not fully appreciate the serious interruption to people’s lives and local businesses that closing Galston Road through the Gorge has. Particularly with New Line Road still not funded in the State Government’s budget for its long-promised upgrade.
In addition, the question has to be asked, has the work over the past 9 years guaranteed us that the road through Galston Gorge and its bridges, will not suddenly fail like the Great Western Highway has recently? That Highway closed on 5th March 2026 after defects were discovered in the road and there is currently no reopen date available.
After being contacted by various local residents with concerns, I will be requesting Hornsby Council seek information and assurances from Transport for NSW about any risks associated with Galston Road (first opened in 1895) and Berowra Waters Road (first opened in 1902).
Result of work in 2022
Result of work in 2026
Details of work on Galston Road through the Gorge, from 2017 are as follows;
2017, July to August – night work to develop & design full slope & drainage improvements
2020, October to December – upgrade & replace drains as well as stabilize embankments
2022, 28th February to 11th October – emergency work to repair rock falls & landslides that occurred during large & prolong storms
2024, 17th November – 13th December – night work to undertake bridge maintenance on Tunks Creek Bridge
2026, 11th January to 14th March – work on Galston Road & Tunks Creek Bridge
Heritage listed Tunks Creek Bridge work included:
• strengthening Tunks Creek Bridge by replacing the heritage bridge’s timber decking
• removing temporary bracing structure installed on the bridge in 2024.
Work on slopes, mainly on eastern (Hornsby) side involved:
• major stabilisation of slopes at three locations
• removal of vegetation from the slope face & large loose rocks
• installation of bolts to stabilise slopes & protect the road
• installation drains at the base of the embankment alongside the road
Additional work included asphalt replacement in several locations along the road & general maintenance such as guardrail repairs, verge works, gutter cleaning, & tree trimming.
