TMR confirms section of Peak Downs Highway to be replaced

Motorists using on a busy Qld highway will soon be able to use a newly built sidetrack to skirt around a section damaged by a coal mine’s digger, avoiding a detour that can add hours onto travel time.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads - which is responsible for the Peak Downs Highway - is working with mining giant BMA to construct a sidetrack near the damaged section of the roadway

Road users travelling on the Peak Downs Highway further inland than Moranbah will be able to use a newly built sidetrack from in the coming weeks as a damaged section of the major thoroughfare is replaced.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads last week confirmed an overpass bridge at Winchester would have to be completely replaced after suffering significant damage when it was struck by a digger being moved on BMA’s Caval Ridge mine haul road underneath.

It is understood the damage bill will total tens of millions of dollars, with repairs to the Peak Downs Highway potentially taking up to 12 months to be completed.

TMR – which is responsible for the highway – is working with mining giant BMA to construct a sidetrack near the damaged section, as the current detours in place can add hours in travel time for some road users.

The highway has been closed since late afternoon April 20 after an excavator boom struck an overpass, becoming stuck.

Images show the digger crushed four of the five concrete support beams under the bridge – it is understood the heavy machinery is the only thing holding up the overpass.

The annual Clermont Wombat Festival set to run May 4-12 might be impacted by the closure of the Peak Downs Hwy after an incident involving a digger.

TMR engineers have been onsite this week assessing the damage.

“Initial structural assessments have determined the damage is considered to be extensive. Replacement of the bridge span is required,” a TMR spokesman said.

“We are working with the mine operator to establish a safe sidetrack for all road users in the vicinity of the overpass until the necessary work to reinstate the structure to a safe condition can be completed.

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.

“A safe sidetrack for all road users in the vicinity of the overpass is expected to be operational in mid-late May,” a TMR spokesman said.

The TMR spokesman said the cost of repairs would be the subject of “ongoing cooperative, commercial-in-confidence discussions” between the department and BMA.

At this stage the detour remains in place via Dysart—Clermont Road and Peak Downs Mine Road, but “with some restrictions in place”, the TMR spokesman said.

“Heavy vehicle operators, including oversize overmass, B-double and Type 1 Road Trains, are also encouraged to refer to the Conditions of Operations Database prior to their journey,” he said.

“If the recommended routes are not applicable, heavy vehicle operators can plan their journey through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) route planner tool prior to applying for a NHVR permit for further assessment.”

It is understood TMR will have inspectors on the Peak Downs Highway to ensure any heavy vehicle using the Dysart-Clermont Rd detour has the necessary permits in place.

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.

“We are working with Isaac Regional Council to ensure these roads are in a trafficable condition,” the TMR spokesman said, adding oversized overmass vehicle operators should refer to the Conditions of Operations Database prior to their journey.

“We understand the impact of the temporary closure of the Caval Ridge Mine overpass on the Peak Downs Highway and the community’s need to reach their destinations on time.

“We thank road users and the broader community for their patience while these works are undertaken.”

A BMA spokesman confirmed the company was working closely with TMR to “support the establishment of a safe alternative route for the community while repair works take place”.

“We apologise for the disruption on local business and community through this period,” he said.