Peak Downs Highway shut after digger stuck under bridge at Caval Ridge mine

It is unknown how long a major highway linking a Qld mining region will be closed after a digger struck and damaged an overpass bridge – or who will foot the bill. UPDATE

The Peak Downs Highway at near Caval Ridge mine remains closed after an excavator being moved on a mine road struck and damaged the overpass.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has not divulged how long a major mining highway would be closed after a digger caused significant damage when it struck an overpass.

It is also unknown who will be footing the repair bill.

More photos have since surfaced showing the damage to the overpass.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland is investigating the incident that occurred about 5.20pm Saturday when a float was transporting an excavator was being moved on a Caval Ridge mine haul road that runs under the Peak Downs Highway.

The Peak Downs Highway at near Caval Ridge mine remains closed after an excavator being moved on a mine road struck and damaged the overpass.

“When the float attempted to go under the overpass bridge of the Peak Downs Highway, the excavator contacted the underside of the bridge structure, becoming stuck and causing damage to the bridge,” an RSHQ spokeswoman said.

No one was injured.

Emergency crews were called and the highway has been closed to all traffic at the site.

The Peak Downs Highway at near Caval Ridge mine remains closed after an excavator being moved on a mine road struck and damaged the overpass.

RSHQ issues a directive to secure and isolate the site, which is a heavily trafficked thoroughfare linking the Bowen Basin.

“The Peak Downs highway was closed, and remains closed, while traffic control is being managed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads,” the RSHQ spokeswoman said.

“An RSHQ inspector is attending site and is assisting the mine to resolve the incident.”

The Peak Downs Highway at near Caval Ridge mine remains closed after an excavator being moved on a mine road struck and damaged the overpass.

There are detours in place via Dysart Clermont Rd and Peak Downs Mine Rd.

A BMA spokesman confirmed the incident occurred at one of its mine sites and that the company was assisting authorities.

Isaac Regional Council was also called to help TMR and police in the initial response “as it’s the busiest highway in the Isaac region”.

A TMR spokeswoman said the highway “remains temporarily closed” while the area was made safe and damage assessment was undertaken.

“We will work with the mine operator to complete necessary repairs and return the highway in this location to a safe condition,” a she said.

The Peak Downs Highway is closed after a digger became stuck under a bridge that forms part of the highway damaging it.

“The safety of road users is our top priority.

“We are working with IRC to ensure these roads are in a trafficable condition.

“Oversize overmass vehicle operators are also encouraged to refer to the Conditions of Operations Database prior to their journey.”

This publication has asked how long the repairs are expected to take and who will foot the bill.