Published Friday, 11 February, 2011 at 09:40 AM
Minister for Main Roads
The Honourable Craig Wallace
Gatton-Clifton Road reopening, repairing and restoring
Transport and Main Roads has reopened Gatton-Clifton Road today (February 11), reconnecting a vital link in the Lockyer Valley.
Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said recovery work on the route was a priority in the wake of the worst flood damage Queensland roads had ever experienced and the department worked as quickly as possible to get it re-opened.
“The department recognised the impact to businesses, however the extent of the damage and the recent wet weather hampered ongoing geotechnical investigations and the cleanup of dangerous, unstable material,” he said.
Mr Wallace stressed safety took precedence over repair.
“Our number one priority is safety. Our officers checked that every single embankment on Gatton-Clifton Road was stable to ensure the road was safe for vehicles before reopening,” he said.
“The road sustained severe damage – damage that went far deeper than just the road’s surface, with substructure, including culverts and drains, impacted by the floods.”
Sections of Gatton–Clifton Road are still open to only one lane under 24 hour traffic control to ensure ongoing restoration works can continue safely.
Mr Wallace said the department had been working closely with Lockyer Valley Regional Council, local MP’s and several local businesses and residents regarding Gatton-Clifton Road restoration works.
“I would like to thank the local residents and businesses for their patience while waiting for the road to reopen,” he said.
“Restoring a road to a driveable condition following a natural disaster is complex and sometimes dangerous work.
“Now these works are complete, officers will continue to inspect and monitor the road to determine what works are required to maintain the long-term safety of Gatton-Clifton Road.
“When assessments have been finalised the department will apply to the Federal Government’s National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program for financial support to get the road operating at its normal level.”
Keep up-to-date with the latest road closures across Queensland by visiting www.131940.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Minister’s office 3896 3691
Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said recovery work on the route was a priority in the wake of the worst flood damage Queensland roads had ever experienced and the department worked as quickly as possible to get it re-opened.
“The department recognised the impact to businesses, however the extent of the damage and the recent wet weather hampered ongoing geotechnical investigations and the cleanup of dangerous, unstable material,” he said.
Mr Wallace stressed safety took precedence over repair.
“Our number one priority is safety. Our officers checked that every single embankment on Gatton-Clifton Road was stable to ensure the road was safe for vehicles before reopening,” he said.
“The road sustained severe damage – damage that went far deeper than just the road’s surface, with substructure, including culverts and drains, impacted by the floods.”
Sections of Gatton–Clifton Road are still open to only one lane under 24 hour traffic control to ensure ongoing restoration works can continue safely.
Mr Wallace said the department had been working closely with Lockyer Valley Regional Council, local MP’s and several local businesses and residents regarding Gatton-Clifton Road restoration works.
“I would like to thank the local residents and businesses for their patience while waiting for the road to reopen,” he said.
“Restoring a road to a driveable condition following a natural disaster is complex and sometimes dangerous work.
“Now these works are complete, officers will continue to inspect and monitor the road to determine what works are required to maintain the long-term safety of Gatton-Clifton Road.
“When assessments have been finalised the department will apply to the Federal Government’s National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program for financial support to get the road operating at its normal level.”
Keep up-to-date with the latest road closures across Queensland by visiting www.131940.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Minister’s office 3896 3691