Traffic Alert-QLD-Cunningham's Gap, Cunningham Hwy 9/10-8/12/2023

Final preparations are underway ahead of repairs to a two-kilometre section of the Cunningham Highway at Cunninghams Gap, which was extensively damaged by the 2019 bushfires.

The work, which will be completed by the TMR along with contractor, McIlwain Civil Engineering, will occur from Monday 9 October 2023 through to Friday 8 December 2023, with road users potentially experiencing intermittent delays of up to 30 minutes when travelling through Cunninghams Gap between the hours of 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Upslope works

Scaling and stabilisation works along with vegetation removal on the upslope are being undertaken. Once completed, permanent stabilisation works will continue over the coming months. Due to the mountainous terrain above and below the road at Cunninghams Gap, stabilisation works will be undertaken by a highly skilled crew of rope access technicians to navigate the complexity and challenges involved. This process involves securing anchors at the top of the slope, that allow rope access technicians to safely abseil and clear away loose rocks and soil debris. After the surface is clear from loose debris, anchors are drilled into the rock face and secured with grout to stabilise the slope. High-strength steel mesh will then be draped over the upslope to control rockfall movements by guiding falling debris to the bottom of the slope.

Due to the limited access, materials required for these works will be delivered using a helicopter and an experienced pilot proficient in low-level flying, mountainous terrain, and long lines/external sling loads. Experienced ground crews will coordinate the rigging and detaching of each load, with some loads weighing up to 600kg.

In the coming months, the removal of 18 shipping containers will begin. While most work associated with the removal will be undertaken behind the safety barriers, intermittent traffic holds will be required for large machinery to safely remove and transport these shipping containers. The shipping containers will be replaced by fencing.

Downslope works

Activities to be undertaken in this area in the coming months include 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. 

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. Further information will be provided to the community in advance via email, SMS and variable message signs.

Assistance is jointly funded by the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, (DRFA).

Upcoming pop-up sessions

If you cannot attend, or would like more information, please contact the project team on:

Phone:  1800 497 100 (9am to 5pm, weekdays) 

Email:   cunninghamsgap@mcilwain.com