Repairs will restore access to Einasleigh River causeway
Published Wednesday, 11 February, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Main Roads could start repairs to the Einasleigh River causeway on the Gulf Developmental Road as early as this week once floodwaters recede, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.
Mr Pitt said the approaches to the bridge at the Einasleigh River had sustained damage from the recent monsoonal rain and floodwaters.
“Repair works will involve erecting a temporary access over the approaches to the bridge to allow semi-trailers to transport essential supplies to communities that have been isolated by flood waters,” Mr Pitt said.
“Flood waters are currently about 60cm over the causeway and have a tendency to rise and fall quickly. As soon as floodwaters recede, work to restore access to the causeway will be carried out by Etheridge Shire Council.
“Once flood waters allow, a Main Roads bridge inspector will be on site to inspect the causeway and bridge.
“We anticipate that inspections and repair works will commence this week, as long as the area does not receive any further rainfall and flood waters fall to levels below the bridge,” he said.
The Einasleigh River Bridge is located on the Gulf Developmental Road, 36 kilometres west from Mount Surprise. The road is the main access route linking the Gulf communities of Georgetown and Normanton to Cairns and coastal communities.
Mr Pitt said the Einasleigh River causeway was one of several causeways currently affected by flooding across the state, due to the unusually high rainfall received this year in many northern areas.
“North Queensland has been inundated by heavy rainfall since the start of the year, significantly higher than what has been experienced in recent years,” he said.
“Many areas are currently experiencing the effects of above-average rainfall and many state-controlled and local roads have been closed much longer than usual due to extraordinary flooding.
“Main Roads is working with local government, emergency services and other stakeholders to reopen roads and restore access to communities as soon as possible.
“While there are no current plans to upgrade the Einasleigh River Bridge, Main Roads will examine the causeway during the dry season to see what enhancements can be made to avoid similar damage next wet season.
“I will also be speaking to Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Mr Anthony Albanese, to seek funding for an upgrade of the Einasleigh River Bridge,” he said.
Mr Pitt said Main Roads would review the performance of the sections of road affected by flooding this year to determine a list of improvements that can be considered in the future.
“I have requested that Main Roads reviews the entire road network at the end of this wet season and any enhancements that are required will be prioritised on a statewide basis,” he said.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s office 3227 8819
Mr Pitt said the approaches to the bridge at the Einasleigh River had sustained damage from the recent monsoonal rain and floodwaters.
“Repair works will involve erecting a temporary access over the approaches to the bridge to allow semi-trailers to transport essential supplies to communities that have been isolated by flood waters,” Mr Pitt said.
“Flood waters are currently about 60cm over the causeway and have a tendency to rise and fall quickly. As soon as floodwaters recede, work to restore access to the causeway will be carried out by Etheridge Shire Council.
“Once flood waters allow, a Main Roads bridge inspector will be on site to inspect the causeway and bridge.
“We anticipate that inspections and repair works will commence this week, as long as the area does not receive any further rainfall and flood waters fall to levels below the bridge,” he said.
The Einasleigh River Bridge is located on the Gulf Developmental Road, 36 kilometres west from Mount Surprise. The road is the main access route linking the Gulf communities of Georgetown and Normanton to Cairns and coastal communities.
Mr Pitt said the Einasleigh River causeway was one of several causeways currently affected by flooding across the state, due to the unusually high rainfall received this year in many northern areas.
“North Queensland has been inundated by heavy rainfall since the start of the year, significantly higher than what has been experienced in recent years,” he said.
“Many areas are currently experiencing the effects of above-average rainfall and many state-controlled and local roads have been closed much longer than usual due to extraordinary flooding.
“Main Roads is working with local government, emergency services and other stakeholders to reopen roads and restore access to communities as soon as possible.
“While there are no current plans to upgrade the Einasleigh River Bridge, Main Roads will examine the causeway during the dry season to see what enhancements can be made to avoid similar damage next wet season.
“I will also be speaking to Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Mr Anthony Albanese, to seek funding for an upgrade of the Einasleigh River Bridge,” he said.
Mr Pitt said Main Roads would review the performance of the sections of road affected by flooding this year to determine a list of improvements that can be considered in the future.
“I have requested that Main Roads reviews the entire road network at the end of this wet season and any enhancements that are required will be prioritised on a statewide basis,” he said.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s office 3227 8819