Contractor Nexus is using shipping containers to prevent rock fall during the critical repair work now underway to repair the crumbling $1.6 billion Toowoomba Bypass.
In a media statement from the Department of Transport and Main Roads today, Regional Director (Southern Queensland) Bill Lansbury said the temporary works involve the installation of shipping containers filled with ballast, which will act as a protective barrier to prevent any rock fall impacting the traffic lanes.
“In the critical section, the 20-foot shipping containers are being secured by restraint wires connected to 72 anchor bars which are drilled and grouted into the sandstone under the road,” Lansbury said.
The installation of the double-stacked shipping containers will require the use of a crane parked on the bypass westbound lanes.
The westbound lanes will be closed on Friday, November 25, to facilitate the work.
The extensive work required to permanently repair the cutting is scheduled to start in 2023.
It is hoped the repairs will allow one eastbound lane to reopen to traffic later this month, weather and conditions permitting.
Both eastbound lanes were closed in late October for the safety of motorists, after heavy rainfall caused significant movement in a cutting on the northern side of the road.
Regional Director (Southern Queensland) Bill Lansbury said the safety of motorists was his priority.
“The contractor Nexus is working as quickly as possible to reopen this important connection, but we’ll continue to prioritise the safety of the work crews and our community,” Lansbury said.
“Extreme wet weather over 2022 has caused moisture to find its way into the cutting above the eastbound lane, causing movement to large wedges of material, and cracks in the concrete.
“A short-term solution has been planned which will allow one eastbound lane to reopen.”
For more information about the project, contact Transport and Main Roads on (07) 4639 0777 or by emailing DownsSWR.Office@tmr.qld.gov.au.