Marlborough-Sarina Road to open to traffic in October

Marlborough-Sarina Road is set to re-open under traffic control in October as a major rebuild of the cyclone-damaged road moves ahead.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the milestone would be welcome news for residents whose lives had been impacted by the road’s long-term closure.

“The landslips at Sarina Range in March last year were devastating for the community and caused significant disruption to people’s daily lives,” Mr Bailey said.

“During my visit to Mackay in May, I spoke with residents and groups including the Country Women’s Association who shared their stories about how the loss of this important road connection had added hours to daily drives to get even basic things done for their families.

“Hearing that the road has a date set to open to traffic is a relief and testament to the hard work the restoration team has put in so far, as well as the patience of the local community.”

Mr Bailey said he was impressed by the detailed planning and preparation that had already been done during his last visit to the work site

“Seeing the site up close brought home the scale of damage that the crews were dealing with and the dangerous nature of the safety and stabilisation job ahead of them,” Mr Bailey said.

“More than 130,000 tonnes of slip material had to be removed before those works could begin.

“We’re two months further along and I’m pleased to say that 27 of the 30 areas requiring repair have been restored, and the project is on track for completion in December, weather permitting.”

“Delays of up to 15 minutes are still likely to occur along the route, which will remain a construction site until the project is completed but I’m pleased there will be some access.

“We will have an exact date for the restricted re-opening of Marlborough-Sarina Road soon.

“Once Marlborough-Sarina Road has re-opened, there will be reduced speed limits and lane closures along the Sarina Range section, and we ask motorists to obey all signs and drive to the conditions so road workers and motorists stay safe.”

Marlborough-Sarina Road, along the Sarina Range, was closed because of significant geotechnical failure following substantial rainfall from Cyclone Debbie.

While restoration works on the Sarina Range continue, motorists are being directed to use Koumala–Bolingbroke Road as an alternative route.

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

ENDS

Media contact:  Carmel Robertson, 0439 347 875