Community & Business
25 November, 2022
Short-term fix to re-open Bypass lanes
Temporary works are under way to repair a cutting above the eastbound lanes of the Toowoomba Bypass.
One lane will be open to traffic later this month, weather and conditions permitting.
Both eastbound lanes were closed in late October for the safety of motorists, after heavy rainfall caused significant movement in a cutting on the northern side of the road.
TMR Regional Director (Southern Queensland) Bill Lansbury said the safety of motorists was his priority.
“The contractor Nexus is working as quickly as possible to reopen this important connection, but we’ll continue to prioritise the safety of the work crews and our community,” Mr Lansbury said.
“Extreme wet weather over 2022 has caused moisture to find its way into the cutting above the eastbound lane, causing movement to large wedges of material, and cracks in the concrete.
Mr Lansbury said a short-term solution had been planned to allow one eastbound lane to reopen.
The temporary works involve the installation of shipping containers filled with ballast, to act as a protective barrier to prevent any rock fall impacting the traffic lanes.
“In the critical section, the 20-foot shipping containers are being secured by restraint wires connected to 72 anchor bars which are drilled and grouted into the sandstone under the road.”
Installation of the double-stacked shipping containers will require the use of a crane parked on the bypass westbound lanes.
The westbound lanes will be closed this Friday, November 25 to facilitate the work.
The extensive work required to permanently repair the cutting is scheduled to start in 2023.
