Published Friday, 29 February, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Running Creek Road gates open today
Work to repair flood-damaged Running Creek Road near Rathdowney is progressing well, with Main Roads today restoring access for general traffic.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said gates at the New South Wales border and Bell Bridge had been removed and the last of the diversionary signage taken down.
Since the flood damage in early January, access to Running Creek Road (known locally as Lions Road) has been restricted to residents, emergency vehicles and construction crews.
"During the last six weeks, construction crews have worked hard to repair the damage and reinstate access for all vehicles," Mr Pitt said.
"The result will be significantly safer and more reliable access along Running Creek Road between the Border Gate and Bell Bridge.
"As part of the repairs, a new all-weather surface has been applied to the road, flood guideposts installed and damaged signage repaired and re-installed.
"A rock wall, much like a traditional seawall, has also been constructed to provide long-term protection for a 250m section of road that was partially washed away during January's flooding."
Mr Pitt said attention would now turn to the next stage of the recovery effort, which would involve construction of permanent bridges at Taaffe crossing (number six) and the unnamed crossing number seven.
"With the removal of the gates, specialist equipment can be moved in to help progress the bridge construction," Mr Pitt said.
"Design of the bridge and road approaches for crossing number seven has now been completed, and construction should start next month, subject to the availability of the necessary bridge components.
"Geotechnical investigations, survey and design for crossing number six are underway and construction of this bridge should start in April 2008.
"Both bridges should take about six months to complete, depending on weather and the availability of materials."
Mr Pitt praised the collaborative recovery efforts of Main Roads, RoadTek and other agencies including Emergency Services Queensland and the Beaudesert and Boonah shire councils.
"During the floods, the stream gauge at Running Creek hit the highest level since recording began in the 1960s," Mr Pitt said.
"The work put in by crews to restore access and repair the road has been outstanding."
Funding of $3.3 million for the replacement of the unnamed crossing had already been allocated under the Queensland Government's Roads Implementation Program, with the other repairs to be funded as part of the joint state-federal Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said gates at the New South Wales border and Bell Bridge had been removed and the last of the diversionary signage taken down.
Since the flood damage in early January, access to Running Creek Road (known locally as Lions Road) has been restricted to residents, emergency vehicles and construction crews.
"During the last six weeks, construction crews have worked hard to repair the damage and reinstate access for all vehicles," Mr Pitt said.
"The result will be significantly safer and more reliable access along Running Creek Road between the Border Gate and Bell Bridge.
"As part of the repairs, a new all-weather surface has been applied to the road, flood guideposts installed and damaged signage repaired and re-installed.
"A rock wall, much like a traditional seawall, has also been constructed to provide long-term protection for a 250m section of road that was partially washed away during January's flooding."
Mr Pitt said attention would now turn to the next stage of the recovery effort, which would involve construction of permanent bridges at Taaffe crossing (number six) and the unnamed crossing number seven.
"With the removal of the gates, specialist equipment can be moved in to help progress the bridge construction," Mr Pitt said.
"Design of the bridge and road approaches for crossing number seven has now been completed, and construction should start next month, subject to the availability of the necessary bridge components.
"Geotechnical investigations, survey and design for crossing number six are underway and construction of this bridge should start in April 2008.
"Both bridges should take about six months to complete, depending on weather and the availability of materials."
Mr Pitt praised the collaborative recovery efforts of Main Roads, RoadTek and other agencies including Emergency Services Queensland and the Beaudesert and Boonah shire councils.
"During the floods, the stream gauge at Running Creek hit the highest level since recording began in the 1960s," Mr Pitt said.
"The work put in by crews to restore access and repair the road has been outstanding."
Funding of $3.3 million for the replacement of the unnamed crossing had already been allocated under the Queensland Government's Roads Implementation Program, with the other repairs to be funded as part of the joint state-federal Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819