Car crushed by tree as rain causes more road closures across Capital region

A driver’s had a lucky escape after a tree fell onto the bonnet of his car as Canberra continued to be soaked.

Softened soils saw the tree fall earlier this afternoon, with emergency services called to Morshead Drive between Russell and Duntroon at about 1:50 pm.

The driver walked away complaining of a sore shoulder, but Morshead Drive was expected to be closed in both directions for some time, with motorists urged to avoid the area.

Moreshead Drive, Campbell is blocked east bound. There is no traffic getting through. If you are heading home use an alternate route. If you are headed for the airport allow extra time to get there.

— ACTPol_Traffic (@ACTPol_Traffic) October 7, 2022

It’s as the ongoing downpour finally saw Coppins Crossing shut, along with Oakes Estate Crossing, Swamp Creek Crossing (Fairlight Road), Uriarra Crossing, Angle Crossing and Sunshine Crossing. Point Hut Crossing previously closed yesterday.

Bus route 47 cannot service Denman Prospect until further notice due to Coppins Crossing’s closure, with those impacted advised to find alternative options for public transport.

Canberra had recorded 16.4 millimetres of rain since 9 am this morning, while Tuggeranong had seen 23.2 millimetres

All ACT Government turf sportsgrounds will remain closed for training and match play from today (Friday, 7 October) and across the weekend. They would be re-assessed on Monday (10 October).

Flash flooding remained a concern for emergency services.

“Really asking the community to help us and the best way to do that is to stay informed, monitor your local conditions and local warnings,” NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey said.

“Drive to the conditions … if you can stay off the roads please do so and never drive through flood waters.”

As school holidays come to an end, motorists were asked to plan ahead and ensure their chosen route is safe.

“Roads in many areas are already flooded, and many more will be flooded in the coming days,” AC Storey said.

All sportsgrounds in the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council area have also been shut for the weekend.

Meanwhile, sandbags were on offer in towns surrounding the Capital, for both Yass and Bungendore residents.

Numerous roads and amenities in Yass had now flooded, with the community urged to keep up to date and not to drive through floodwaters.

Roads closed included:

• Long Rail Gully Road (Dog Trap to Gums Lane)
• Manton Road
• Shingle Hill Way
• Back Creek Road
• Namina Road (between Spring Range and Murrumbateman Road)
• Greenwood Road (both crossings)
• Low Level Yass
• Laverstock Road
• Yass River Road (Booths Crossing)
• Bendenine Road (eastern end)
• Lucernvale Road
• Woolgarlo Road

Gums Lane and Old Gap Road were also partially closed due to surface conditions.

There were reports of water over the road on the Princes Highway near Tarlinton Street at Cobargo.

Roads across the Eurobodalla Council area had also been shut, including: Congo Road at causeway, Dwyers Creek Road at Candoin Creek causeway, Potato Point Road at Borang Creek, Spencer Street west at Racecourse Creek, Sunnyside Road at causeway.

Meanwhile, Canberrans making their way back from the coast became stuck on Kangaroo Valley Way as the slopes became unstable.

All motorists making their way back to the Territory from NSW have been advised to keep an eye on the Live Traffic website or app to keep up to date with the latest road closures.