Testers Hollow finally reopens 16 days after it was cut off by floodwater

ROAD REOPENS: Repair works under way at Testers Hollow on Tuesday afternoon in preparation for the road's reopening. Picture: Raise Testers Hollow

SIXTEEN days after it was inundated by floodwater, Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow has finally reopened.

Locals reported the critical thoroughfare had reopened on the Raise Testers Hollow community Facebook page about 7:30am on Wednesday.

July marks the sixth time since 2007 that Testers Hollow has flooded, cutting off the main road between the Cessnock and Maitland local government areas.

Police arrive to close Testers Hollow around 7.30am Tuesday, July 5. Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

Day 2 of the flood (Wednesday, July 6) and the site of the new road at Testers Hollow is covered in water. Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

Day 3 of the flood (Thursday, July 7) shows water near the earthworks for the new road at Testers Hollow. The flood level is higher than the April 2015 storm, when Testers Hollow was closed for 16 days. Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

On Day 4 of the flood (Friday, July 8), boats take residents and supplies from the Cliftleigh side of Testers Hollow into Gillieston Heights, which is an island after also being cut off on the Maitland end of Cessnock Road. Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

Day 5 of the flood (Saturday, July 9). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow

Day 6 of the flooding (Sunday, July 10) shows water over the turning bay near the Averys Lane at Cliftleigh. Picture: Raise Testers Hollow

A screenshot from a video taken on Day 7 of the flood (Monday, July 11). Via Raise Testers Hollow on Facebook.

Day 8 (Tuesday, July 12). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

Day 9 (Wednesday, July 13). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

Day 10 (Thursday, July 14). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

Day 11 (Friday, July 15). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

Day 12 (Saturday, July 16). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

Day 13 (Sunday, July 17). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

Day 14 (Monday, July 18). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

Testers Hollow on Tuesday, July 19 (Day 15). Picture: Raise Testers Hollow (Facebook)

Construction of a new road adjacent to the existing road began in November 2020, and is due for completion in early 2023.

The new road was submerged in the recent flood, but Transport for NSW says a further 275mm of asphalt is to be added to the top of the works.

Cessnock mayor Jay Suvaal will raise the issue at Wednesday night's council meeting, with a mayoral minute calling for the NSW Government to reassess the design of the new road.