However, a lack of water is making the work slower and more expensive.

Between 40,000 to 100,000 litres of water are used by each maintenance grader team every day, to grade between 500m and 3km of unsealed road.

“Council draws water from rivers and dams but, during a drought, water may need to be transported from further away from the works,” Upper Hunter Shire mayor Wayne Bedggood said.

“That can require an extra water cart and add an additional $1000 a day to the cost of a maintenance team with one grader, roller and water cart and three workers.

“Council appreciates how important road maintenance is. 

“We are working hard to continuing to maintain the road network under difficult conditions.

“We thank residents for their patience.”