Gillies Range Road conditions set to change for 19 repair sites

A leading Far North construction firm has been awarded the contract for the next phase of works on a major highway which is set for a number of lane closures as repairs begin on 19 sites.

Traffic conditions will change on the Gillies Range Rd as stabilisation works start on 19 different sites between late 2025 and mid 2026.

A leading Far North construction firm has been awarded the contract for the next phase of works on a major highway which is set to experience a number of lane closures as repairs begin on 19 sites.

The Queensland Government has awarded the contract for the next phase of reconstruction works on the Gillies Range Rd to Koppen Development Pty Ltd.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads said there were 19 sites requiring reconstruction on the 56km of the road, including 14 up or down slopes.

“There are 19 sites requiring reconstruction on the 56kms of the Gillies Range Road, including 14 up or down slopes,” the department’s update read.

Recently completed works on the Gillies Range Road at Lake Barrine. New reconstruction works along the 56km road will start in 19 different sites. Picture: TMR

Works are due to start in late 2025 and will be completed by mid-2026, “weather and site conditions permitting.”

TMR said the works would involve major and minor slope rectification across various sections of and permanent geotechnical and erosion control treatments would be used to reinstate the road to its pre-disaster function.

“This milestone paves the way for critical works to address 14 landslips caused by the severe rainfall and flooding associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

“The Gillies Range Rd is one of four range roads between Cairns and the Tablelands that sustained significant damage during the cyclone.

“Reconstruction works have been carefully co-ordinated with repairs on other key routes to minimise traffic disruptions and ensure safe, reliable access for road users across the region.

The Gillies Range Road at Lake Barrine. Works including soil nailing and shotcreting to stabilise the slopes and prevent further damage were completed at this section in October 2025. Picture: TMR

“The recently completed priority works near Lake Barrine commenced in July 2025 and were completed in late October 2025.

“These works included soil nailing and shotcreting to stabilise the slopes and prevent further damage.

“These works were essential to ensuring the safety of road users and maintaining access.”

The department stated changing traffic conditions on the road during this phase of works would include at least reduced speed limits and single-lane closures.

“Full road closures may be required for the safety of road workers and road users for specific works or the movement of equipment.

“The Queensland Government prefers roads to remain open where possible and will regularly review the scope of works to facilitate this where safe to do so.”

TMR North Queensland regional director Ross Hodgman said the contract award to restore the Gillies Range Rd was a major milestone in restoring a critical link for freight and travellers.

“The Gillies Range Road is a critical transport link for Far North Queensland communities, freight operators and visitors to the region,” Mr Hodgman said.

“While the steep terrain provides picturesque lookouts for tourists and other travellers, it also means the road is susceptible to slope damage from heavy rainfall events.”

The recovery works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Originally published as Gillies Range Road conditions set to change for 19 repair sites