Scaling new heights all in a day’s (road)works
When the effects of record rainfall events across southern Queensland in 2022 forced the closure of a section of a picturesque highway, the repair efforts called for more than the usual mix of construction equipment used for roadworks.
Specialised training and abseiling equipment once again proved their value in keeping Queensland’s roads open.
They were required after significant erosion triggered by the deluges closed a section of the Bunya Highway between Bell and Kumbia, a stretch notable for being carved in the middle of a 20-metre-high cut face.
Running in a north-easterly direction between Dalby on the Darling Downs and Goomeri near Gympie, the Bunya Highway connects the Warrego and Burnett Highways.
Although a relatively short 173 kilometres long, the highway provides an important link both for commercial transport and for tourists visiting the spectacular Bunya Mountains National Park.
Given the highway’s importance, Transport and Main Roads (TMR) crews quickly swung into action, clearing debris to make the road safe to reopen to traffic.
However, it was apparent a long-term solution was required to prevent a repeat episode of erosion from the steep slopes.
With a detailed design for the long-term remediation of the slopes completed, repair works commenced in early August 2023.
The works focused on reinforcing and stabilising the existing slopes to reduce the risk of future rock falls.
This was done using steel bars and wire mesh, spraying shotcrete over some mesh sections, and installing vertical strip drains.
However, it was no easy task.
Challenges included providing access for both materials and staff to the top of the slopes, with TMR crews requiring specialised training and abseiling equipment.
With new skills and gear to scale the heights, works to stabilise the slopes were completed in late-November 2023 allowing further pavement works on the Bunya Highway to commence in late-January 2024.
The recovery works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
For up-to-date information about works on Queensland’s state-controlled network, including current restrictions and closures, call 13 19 40 or visit www.QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au.
