Incident Controller at the Shoalhaven Emergency Operations Centre, Ian Stewart, has asked motorists to avoid Main Road 92 over the coming days. The road is closed from access points from Nowra and the Princes Highway.
VISITORS from the ACT who were planning to come to the coast this weekend via Main Road 92 have been asked to reconsider their plans.
While the coast can still be accessed via Moss Vale and Kangaroo Valley, incident controller for the Shoalhaven fire emergency Ian Stewart said Main Road 92 is currently closed and would not be an option for travel over the weekend.
“Unless there is a real need I am telling people to stay right away from this area,” Mr Stewart said.
“I am saying to people; don’t do it. It’s just not safe, so stay away.”
He said the area around Braidwood Road and Main Road 92 was going to be impacted by burns and there was going to be a large number of firefighting vehicles in the area.
Aircraft are currently conducting water bombing in the rugged terrain of Tianjara.
The road is closed off from the highway at Braidwood Road, while Turpentine Road, Wandean Road and Twelve Mile Peg roads are also closed.
The western side of the Deans Gap Fire, which is now burning close to Tianjara, is a new focus of concern for the firefighting effort which has been ongoing since Monday.
Efforts were also concentrated on protecting the site of the former Tianjara Artillery Range.
Fire retardant gel is also being used in the battle against the fire which has been has now burned out 6500 hectares.
Mr Stewart said he while he was pleased with the progress of a massive effort to build containment lines around the fire there was still “a lot of work to do”.
The effort on the eastern side of the highway is focussed on property protection of the village of Sussex Inlet where residents are on a “watch and act” order.
The Princes Highway has reopened in both directions between Sussex Inlet Road at Tullarwalla and Bendalong Road at Conjola after a closure due to smoke affecting the road this morning.
Police remain on site to safely manage traffic with motorists advised to reduce speed and exercise caution.
There is also heavy traffic in the area and motorists are advised to allow additional travel time.
Meanwhile Nerriga Road remains closed between Oallen Ford Road and Albatross Road at Nerriga due to a bushfire. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
