15 December, 2022
Reconstruction begins at Cunninghams Gap
Reconstruction works designed to reduce rockfalls and increase safety have begun at Cunninghams Gap, with $84.27 million invested into the project.
Key features of the works include 1.4 kilometres of continuous rockfall protection, 11 metre high rockfall catch fence, reinstating the left (slow) lane, installing slope monitoring cameras and relocating the pedestrian crossing.
The Australian Government is contributing $63.2 million, or 75 per cent of the funding, with the Queensland Government contributing the remainder.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said assistance would be provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth - State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
“The slope above the Cunningham Highway, through Cunninghams Gap, was extensively damaged during Black Summer,” Mr Watt said.
“The unique challenges presented by the complex topography meant significant design work was needed, including geotechnical and structural assessments, before construction works could commence.
“McIlwain Civil Engineering has been awarded the contract to restore lanes to their pre-bushfire functionality and install protective rockfall barriers, with catch fencing, for motorist safety.”
“These reconstruction works show that recovery is a long process, but the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments are committed to supporting communities every step of the way.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the project would be big.
“We will have an 11-metre high rockfall catch fence, with 1.4 kilometres of continuous rockfall protection,” Minister Bailey said.
“What this will do is minimise construction impact to the existing lanes on this key freight route, while rock-scaling works will be undertaken to remove unstable material.
“This is about protecting people travelling through the Gap, and reinstate the road to its previous condition.
“As Cunninghams Gap is located within the Main Range National Park and is part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, the project will be carefully managed to ensure the surrounding area is not impacted.”
“We’ve made great progress in getting to this point, and have been involving the community to ensure we deliver the best outcome possible for locals, tourists, and heavy vehicle drivers alike.”
Mr Bailey said community and stakeholder engagement took place in September and October 2021 to support the project’s design.
“No one knows this stretch better than the people who drive it each and every day, which is why community feedback is so important,” he said.
Common concerns that were voiced through the consultation covered topics including environmental impacts, motorist safety, road closures and impacts during construction and providing better car parking and access to Main Range National Park.
There were also suggestions made for a tunnel or alternative roadway to cross Cunninghams Gap.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) responded to this feedback by saying the project aims to minimise and impact on flora and fauna, aiming to minimise impacts associated with necessary closures.
As the project is funded through DRFA, TMR said it would be unable to construct additional car parking at the entrance to Main Range National Park.
