Road repair ramps up in defiance of Debbie damage

Works to repair major damage caused to state roads across the Gold Coast hinterland as a result of Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie are set to ramp up with the award of two major construction contracts.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said with around 200 landslips recorded, repairing the damage is a mammoth effort, but the Palaszczuk Government had got on with the task.

“Georgiou Group will carry out work on Gold Coast–Springbrook Road and McIlwain Civil Engineering will repair Lamington National Park Road.” Mr Bailey said

“Construction is expected to start this month and should be complete by the end of 2018, weather permitting,” Mr Bailey said.

“The team has been faced with significant challenges such as battered embankments, exposed fractured-rock faces and unstable ground conditions near the landslips.

‘‘These have been addressed during the planning and design stages, with a range of engineering methods set to be used during construction to stabilise the embankments and repair pavement as required at each site.”

‘‘Restoration work on three of the most critical sites on Lamington National Park Road started in August 2017 with work expected to be completed later this month, weather permitting.

‘‘These works will restore a further 83 sites and six-tonne load limits will remain in place until the end of all reconstruction work.’’

Mr Bailey said the announcement was welcome news for the community with Gold Coast–Springbrook Road closed since early April 2017.

‘‘A detour route has been in place, with access to Springbrook temporarily being provided via Pine Creek Road which was repaired within 48 hours of damage occurring,’’ he said.

“I thank the community for their patience and understanding while these works are undertaken,’’ Mr Bailey said.

‘‘Motorists are also asked to drive to road conditions, pay attention around work sites and be aware of increased traffic volumes along detour routes.”

Mr Bailey said significant work had already taken place across the South Coast District in response to damage sustained by the cyclone.

Repairs to John Muntz Causeway and Pine Creek Road were completed mid-2017.

Restoration works at a critical site along Currumbin Creek–Tomewin Mountain Road will be finished this month and design has been finalised for the remaining sites along this road.

Eligible reconstruction works will be jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Government under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

Members of the community can subscribe to project update emails and/or SMS updates by registering their details at southcoast@tmr.qld.gov.au.

Information about road closures and detours can be found on the QLD Traffic website at www.QLDtraffic.qld.gov.au for the latest advice.  

ENDS

Media contact:        Chris Vernon, 0416 800 004