That was the advice from Bellingen Shire Council, which is dealing with recovery works from the rainfall damage.

The highway was closed between Thora and Dorrigo after a landslide blocked the road earlier this week.

Bellingen Shire Council staff continue to work with Transport for NSW to prepare for recovery works which may commence later this week.

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But that is subject to weather conditions and further geotechnical and environmental investigations.

Advice received from TfNSW is that closures are likely to be in place for a minimum of two weeks.

There are six major landslips identified that spread from Myers Bluff, east of Thora, to Sherrard Falls. The map above indicates the locations.

An existing slip at Gordonville Cutting has already been addressed.

However, the size and number of other slips has made it very challenging for crews to access and with continued rainfall, there is limited ability for staff to work safely, council said.

It is anticipated that priority recovery works will focus on clearing Waterfall Way at Sherrard Falls to allow access for emergency and essential services vehicles to move between Dorrigo and Bellingen via alternative managed routes along Summervilles Rd.

Although council and Transport for NSW prioritised a Geotech assessment of the slips, substantial additional rainfall means that further Geotech and environmental assessment is needed. This is being expedited, council said.

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In addition, council staff are assessing the alternative route via Summervilles Rd today for safe and appropriate access.

Council advised access to the wider road network is also currently constrained by floodwaters but extensive damage is expected across transport infrastructure.

Bellingen council's Asset Team are continually reassessing road conditions during and post this severe weather event, the spokesperson said, and are prioritising road maintenance and repair activities to ensure essential access is maintained where possible.

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