General News
3 March, 2025
Gatton-Clifton Road section won’t be moved
A Department of Transport and Main Roads project that has been investigating Gatton–Clifton Road at Mount Whitestone is no longer looking at bypassing as an option.
A Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokesperson said TMR is no longer investigating options to realign Gatton–Clifton Road to bypass the section at-risk or affected by the Mount Whitestone landslide.
Regular motorists on the road, which is the main route from Clifton to Gatton, the Lockyer Valley and beyond to Ipswich and Brisbane, will be familiar with the bumpy section of the road at Mount Whitestone which has a speed limit of 40km/h.
“TMR has undertaken additional investigations to understand the movement and risks associated with the slow-moving landslide at Mount Whitestone,” the TMR spokesperson said.
We are undertaking an analysis of the social and economic value of maintaining Gatton–Clifton Road as part of the local and regional transport network to inform future planning and investment.
“The planning project is still in progress and in the interim, TMR is implementing a range of measures to increase monitoring and safety for road users including works to improve road conditions and signage to provide timely information about changing road conditions.
“In the event of any closure, TMR will monitor road conditions, direct or redirect traffic accordingly and complete works to restore trafficability as soon as practicable to maintain safety, accessibility and connectivity across the network.”
There is an estimated four million cubic metres of earth moving, causing the landslide on the west face of Mount Whitestone.
This is causing tension cracks, subsidence and land surface deformation that is affecting Gatton-Clifton Road.
Monitoring and geotechnical investigations have been conducted since 2010.
The TMR spokesperson said safety is paramount, which may lead to the road being closed at times.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is focused on making Gatton-Clifton Road safe for everyone,” they said.
“To keep the road safe, TMR may temporarily restrict access or close Gatton–Clifton Road at Mount Whitestone if there’s a risk associated with the slow-moving landslide.”
The spokesperson said community consultation has been part of the project and is still encouraged.
“TMR has undertaken consultation with members of the community to inform planning completed to date,” they said.
“There may be future opportunities for road users to provide feedback about the management of Gatton–Clifton Road.
“Members of the public are welcome to contact TMR to learn more or provide feedback about state-controlled roads and projects.”
This planning project is anticipated to be completed in June 2026.
