Works on the Eton Range to repair the damage caused by Cyclone Debbie are continuing, with works expected to be completed by the end of August, weather permitting.
Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said the mass restriction which was placed on the range immediately after the Cyclone had now been lifted.
“The Eton Range on the Peak Downs Highway sustained significant damage during the cyclone including multiple landslips within the existing project site of the $189 million Eton Range Realignment,” he said.
“But Transport and Main Roads has been working hard to reconstruct priority transport routes as quickly as possible.
“The Eton Range is an important link connecting Mackay to the mining and agricultural industries of the Bowen Basin and our focus is on expediting the delivery of repair works to this critical local infrastructure.
“Following Cyclone Debbie, geotechnical assessments were undertaken to determine the extent of the damage and the required repair works.
“Due to the damage, the range is currently under single lane operation with width restrictions for over size vehicles.
“These restrictions are necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of the range, and will be in place until repair works are completed.
“However as the repair works progress, the restrictions will be regularly reviewed for opportunities to accommodate over size vehicles and minimise impacts to the transport industry.
“A detour from Mackay to Nebo is available for over size over mass vehicles currently restricted from using the Eton Range.”
Member for Mirani, Jim Pearce, thanked the community for their continued patience while the repairs were undertaken.
“While TMR is working hard to reconstruct our road network, changed traffic conditions are necessary,” he said.
“We ask that you please remain patient as we work to rebuild the state’s road network.”
Eligible reconstruction works will be jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Palaszczuk Government under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery
