Blasting at Moonan Cutting

Preparing for blasting at the Cutting: Upper Hunter Shire Council’s Mark Robinson, maintenance works supervisor, Maurice Collison, deputy mayor and James Darling, works engineer on site today.

TWO controlled explosions are planned at Moonan Cutting, located 51 kilometres north east of Scone, early next week.

Maurice Collison, deputy mayor of the Upper Hunter Shire Council said the blasting was needed for a section of meta-sandstone rock, which heavy earth moving equipment could not break up.

“Explosions have been a last resort because we have reached rock that is just too hard,” Cr Collison said.

“Locals can see that this is a big and complex job and Council thanks them for their patience,” he said.

“It will be worth it to finally fix Moonan Cutting,” Cr Collison said.

Council will conduct a letter box drop with further details for local residents and updates will be sent via email to people who have subscribed to the Moonan Cutting project.

It is hoped only two vertical blasts will be required, which will occur during the day.

A siren will sound before any blasts and appropriate safety precautions will be in place.

The temporary bridge will be closed during the blasts and may cause a traffic delay of half an hour.

People are urged to be patient and respect traffic signs for their own safety.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has been notified.

To subscribe to the Moonan Cutting project email your name and address to council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au with the subject line Moonan Cutting.