Major milestone for Gap’s reconstruction

Hundreds of 10-metre soil nails have been driven beneath the road near the top of Cunningham’s Gap as part of the $40 million reconstruction program under Operation Queenslander.
About 450 soil nails out of a total of 700 have been used to stabilise a 100 metre long section of the east-bound lane up to six metres deep under the road, at a site 15 metres from the top of the Gap, to provide a solid and safe road base.
Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said a chunk of the range had been excavated to give the crews installing the nails access under the road.
“This continues to be a mammoth task but it’s all about using these huge soil nails to reinforce the road foundation, creating a permanent and stable road for the many motorists who rely on this vital link,” Mr Wallace said.
“Once the remaining 250 soil nails have been driven even deeper into the rock face beneath this section, we can rebuild the excavated site with rock fill and then rebuild the road.”
Mr Wallace said the work at Cunningham’s Gap was being delivered under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), a joint federal and state initiative.
“Under NDRRA, the Gillard Government provides 75 per cent of the funding, with 25 per cent from the Bligh Government,” he said.
Mr Wallace said the work crew had completed this stage of works in record time, while causing as little disruption to road users as possible.
“When we’re finished here, the road will be safer than it’s ever been before,” he said.
“With 80 workers on site at the Gap, our contractor is committed to supporting local businesses – from the motels where workers are staying, to nearby service stations, trade suppliers and even the local pie shop.
“Seven local jobs have been made available through the project, with further opportunities expected in the future.”
There are 11 locations along a seven-kilometre-stretch of the highway requiring extensive work to repair damage from landslips and road subsidence from heavy rain. Four are underway, two are complete and two are set to start shortly. The remaining three sites are in detailed design and set to start within the next few months.
“Crews are working around the clock to deliver these essential works as quickly as possible. However, safety is the department’s number one priority,” Mr Wallace said.
Restrictions are in place between the helipad and the top of the Gap on vehicles over 3.5 metres wide and/or over 26 metres long (excluding B-doubles) to allow the reconstruction work along the route to be carried out. Oversize vehicles are encouraged to take alternate routes.
Motorists can subscribe for SMS updates on the traffic conditions at the Gap by visiting www.cunninghamhighwaysms.com.au. For the latest road conditions and closures in your area, visit www.131940.qld.gov.au or call 131 940.