By Dominique Tassell
Locals can have their say on the the Cunninghams Gap reconstruction, with works on track to start early next year.
Following bushfire damage in 2019, the state government says reconstruction work is “progressing”.
Detailed design is now underway and feedback is being sought to help shape delivery of the project.
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Senator, Bridget McKenzie, said lanes would be restored on the eastern side of Cunninghams Gap and rockfall barriers with catch fencing installed for motorist safety.
“The Black Summer bushfires caused significant slope damage at Cunninghams Gap,” Minister McKenzie said.
“A temporary steel barrier for slope safety was initially installed to reopen the road and since then significant geotechnical and structural assessment activity has been undertaken.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said the community and freight industry partners would be asked for feedback on how they travel through Cunninghams Gap.
“The Cunningham Highway is an important freight corridor, so we need understand how the industry use this section of highway,” Mr Bailey said.
“But most importantly, we want to know how the community use the road and what they value as part of the reconstruction.
“Information about frequency of trips and vehicle size will help ensure construction impacts are kept to a minimum, with an online survey now open.”
Queensland Assistant Regional Roads Minister, Bruce Saunders, said the Palaszczuk Government was proud to be delivering $17.5 billion worth of regional road and transport infrastructure,
He said this work is supporting 15,870 jobs.
“Right now, we’re planning for $212.5 million in jointly funded upgrades to priority sections of the Cunningham Highway,” Mr Saunders said.
“The reconstruction works will complement future upgrades, which are planned to be delivered in four key packages.
“Once delivered, these projects will increase capacity and improve safety along the highway.”
Mr Saunders said reconstruction work would be carried out in two stages.
“Stage one will kick off with rockface stabilisation above the Cunningham Highway before stage two begins, involving road reconstruction,” he said.
“While locals may not see crews working on the cliff, traffic changes will be needed to get this important work completed safety.
“I thank the community for its patience while we work to repair the Cunninghams Gap.”
Cunninghams Gap reconstruction works are jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The community is invited to complete an online survey at www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/cunninghamsgap , which will be open until the end of October.
For up-to-date traffic and road condition information, call 13 19 40, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or download the QldTraffic app.
Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.
