The Queensland Trucking Association has shared an update on the works to repair a section of the Cunningham Highway at Cunningham’s Gap, which was severely damaged by the 2019 bushfires.
The section in question stretches the final two kilometres up to the Allan Cunningham monument.
Truckies and other motorists travelling through Cunningham’s Gap may have seen the progress of the stabilisation activities along the rock face above the Cunningham Highway.
Scaling activities to remove loose rocks and soil debris are expected to continue in the coming months. Work to stabilise below the highway is also expected to continue into next year, with activities to be undertaken including earthworks, drainage works and construction of retaining walls.
Some vegetation removal within the road reserve will be undertaken to allow construction works to continue, but impacts will be limited as much as possible.
Back in September, the Queensland Government warned of potential delays of up to 30 minutes for motorists travelling through Cunningham’s Gap, due to the reconstruction project.
Delays are expected to continue until December 8, and then again next year, with the project not expected to be completed until mid-2025.
“Further traffic changes can be expected throughout the project including in early 2024, with 24-hour, seven-day-a-week stop/slow traffic conditions for up to three months,” the Government said in a statement.
“Further information will be provided to the community in advance via email, SMS and variable message signs.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), in partnership with the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA), have released a series of videos to help truck drivers navigate the steep ascent and descent of Cunningham’s Gap.
From behind the wheel of a Wickham Freightlines’ Kenworth, with a Euro V Cummins engine, Manton takes to the Gap, with TMR’s principal program advisor for the South Coast region, Nicholas Lancashire, in the passenger seat.
Take a look at the latest video here.