FNQ: Palmerston Highway reconstruction update

Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads (06.02.2025)

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will recommence reconstruction works at two sites on the Palmerston Highway from early February 2025, site and weather conditions permitting.

What works are happening?

Vegetation clearing will be carried out at the two damaged sites.

This will allow the slope stabilisation works to continue.

Vegetation along the roadside will be cleared in preparation for essential geotechnical works.

Stabilisation works above and below the road will involve cast in-situ concrete piles, a gabion structure (rocks in steel wire baskets), micro-piles, soil nails and high-tension mesh.

Damaged sections of the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest within the road corridor will be rehabilitated.

How is TMR protecting the area's unique environmental values during the vegetation clearing?

A detailed environmental assessment has been conducted to inform the construction practices.

TMR is working closely with environmental authorities to ensure that works within the sensitive and unique environment are appropriately managed and closely monitored.
 
TMR will mitigate impacts by:

• Monitoring and restricting vegetation removal to what is essential for the works;
• Engaging a licenced fauna spotter-catcher throughout high-risk works;
• Monitoring and protecting water quality in Henrietta Creek;
• Rehabilitating the area to aid rainforest recovery; and
• Erosion and sediment controls to manage ongoing wet weather.

The reconstruction works are designed to prevent further damage to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

What can I expect driving through work sites?

Changed traffic conditions including reduced speed limits, single lane closures at the work sites and manual and long-term traffic control will be in place for the duration of the works. 

Variable Message Signs (VMS) will be in place on the approaches to the work sites to ensure motorists are aware of the changed traffic conditions.

Changes in dates due to poor weather or construction constraints will be posted on the VMS.

For specific works or the movement of machinery and equipment, full road closures may be required for the safety of road workers and road users. TMR will provide advance warning prior to any closures.

TMR thanks motorists for their patience and cooperation as this significant program of works is delivered.

What happens if the Far North gets another cyclone in the current wet season before works are complete?

Due to the unpredictability and variable intensity of extreme weather events, TMR has management processes in place including active monitoring during construction works for landslip risk at the sites.

TMR is working to mitigate any further damage from weather events. Up to date information about road conditions is available via qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or 13 19 40.

Proactive slope management works are very effective in improving resilience along the state-controlled road network.

Where can I get updated on the progress of reconstruction?

You can get more information via the Far North Queensland 2024 cyclone reconstruction works webpage.

We encourage road users to plan their journeys via QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au or 131940.

The recovery works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).