Gosford City Council and the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) have begun work today on Woy Woy Road with the aim of opening one lane as soon as possible.

Council will send out a media release to advise when the lane will be officially opened.

Respected geotechnical consultants, Jeffery and Katauskas, announced the inside lane safe to be opened after conducting a stability assessment and detailed inspection.

The inside lane will be opened 24 hours a day to cars travelling in a downhill direction only. At this stage, no access will be allowed for cyclists, pedestrians, trucks or buses.

Council staff and its appointed geotechnical consultants, together with assistance from the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA), are continuing to work together to get the road open as quickly as possible, according to Council's Director of City Services, Stephen Glen.

"The reopening of one lane will provide assistance in relieving congestion on the entire Gosford City traffic network," said Mr. Glen.

"It was decided, in conjunction with the RTA, that the lane should operate in a downhill direction only as it would have the most safety benefits in helping reduce traffic build-up at the Brisbane Water Drive and Central Coast Highway intersection and the F3, especially in the peak PM period," he said.

"The downhill direction will also allow Horsfield Bay and Phegans Bay residents to reach appointments in Woy Woy."

"Council is currently in talks with Busways about alternative ways of transporting passengers into Woy Woy and the RTA is continuing to review the traffic lights sequence at the top and bottom of Kariong Hill."

"Residents who would normally travel up Woy Woy Road to access other areas are advised to use alternate routes and we ask that residents continue to plan their journey and allow for extra time. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank the community for their patience."

Pre-opening tests and surveys will be conducted before the road is officially opened, with Council monitoring Woy Woy Road daily. Geotechnical engineers have also been engaged to inspect the road on a frequent basis.

Woy Woy Road was closed from Horsfield Road to Woy Woy Creek Bridge after a section of the road embankment at Bulls Hill became unstable and subsided following heavy rain last week.

Council staff were alerted to cracks in the road and arrived on scene within minutes, blockading the road before a section subsided one hour later.

Council will continue to keep residents informed of any updates through the media and Council's website. Alternatively residents can also call Council's customer service line on 4325 8222.