Major reconstruction works have been completed at Cunninghams Gap after nearly four years of disruption.
The works followed significant damage in the area in the 2019 bushfires.
Cunninghams Gap is on the Cunningham Highway between Ipswich and Warwick, south-west of Brisbane, and part of a major interstate transport route.
Around 6000 vehicles use the route every day.
As a result of the work, the steepest part of the road at the crest has been reduced to create an easier ascent for heavy vehicles.
Construction crews had to work within the “challenging, narrow terrain” of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the completion of the project was a significant milestone for the recovery and resilience of a key national transport corridor.
“The Cunningham Highway is a vital freight and transport link for Queensland and the nation, and these works will help ensure communities, businesses and freight operators can continue to rely on this important route for years to come,” Ms McBain said.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the project delivered long-term benefits for Queensland motorists and freight operators.
“These works have stabilised the mountainside, strengthened the highway against future impacts and improved traffic flow for the freight operators and motorists who rely on this route every day,” he said.
Queensland Senator Corinne Mulholland thanked Scenic Rim community, motorists and businesses for their patience in living with the road disruption.
“Cunninghams Gap is more than just a road,” she said.
“It is a gateway to one of Queensland’s most beautiful regions and a critical link for freight operators, farmers, businesses, and the thousands of tourists who come to experience the incredible hikes of Main Range National Park, visit Stanthorpe, explore Girraween, or even travel further beyond.”
State Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause said the works had been extraordinarily complex.
“Now, the pay off will be a more resilient road, and better connection into the future for those communities who rely on the Cunningham Highway,” he said.
Details of the work:
- Installed 20,000m2 of rockfall protection drape mesh.
- Installed over 1km of roadside rockfall protection fencing.
- Reduced the steep road grade at the top of the crest to provide a smoother ascent at the final bend of the highway with fewer breakdowns.
- 1 emergency stopping bay was constructed approximately 1km east of the Allan Cunningham Monument. 2 stopping bays have been constructed near the Crest Carpark.
- 7 retaining walls were built along the downslope section of the eastbound traffic lane road.
- 4 soil nail walls were constructed on either side of the road at the crest.
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and monitoring systems were installed for real-time traffic and slope condition monitoring.
- Wide centre line treatments were added to increase separation between opposing traffic lanes
- Guardrails with rubrails were installed for motorcyclist safety.
- Works were completed at the West Gap Creek picnic area.
- Pavement works were completed.
More details are available here
