Main Roads prepares for opening grade of PDR

A late wet season deluge has created dicey conditions for early season travellers to Cape York, however the Peninsula Developmental Road remains open to vehicles under 5t.

A late wet season deluge has created dicey conditions for early season travellers to Cape York, however the Peninsula Developmental Road remains open.

The notorious Archer River causeway has been impassable with a metre over the road recently but on Sunday evening water had receded to make the crossing safe.

An image from the Archer River causeway two weeks ago showing elevated river levels. Picture: Gavan Roy

In early April another vehicle was washed off the causeway, which followed the dramatic helicopter rescue of Cairns man Patrick Akenson after his Wild Cape Cafe became trapped in floodwater in February.

Mr Akenson was later fined $747 for disobeying a road access sign and careless driving.

On April 5 the Department of Main Roads reopened the Peninsula Developmental Road to through traffic, with a five-tonne load restriction.

The Archer River causeway claimed another victim in February that required the deployment of the Thursday Island rescue helicopter. Picture: Queensland Police

And despite significant rainfall since, the PDR remains open to all vehicles under five tonnes.

Since early March RoadTek crews have been out conducting assessments and repairing roads damaged by very wet monsoon season.

“In coming weeks, RoadTek will start its annual opening grade of the unsealed PDR sections to restore the road formation.” a TMR spokesman said.

“Motorists should keep an eye out for maintenance crews, be mindful of conditions and always follow directions given by traffic controllers.”

Washouts on the Peninsula Developmental Road photographed last week. Picture: Sash Romek

TMR has acknowledged issues plaguing the construction of a bridge across the Archer River relating to a difficulty securing pillar footings in the riverbed.

Bridge supports needed to be stronger than a normal bridge due to the roadway designed to be submerged when the river is in flood.

“We have amended the design of the footings for the new Archer River Crossing,” the spokesman said.

The bridge was initially due for completion in 2022 has now been pushed back to late 2024.

When complete, the new crossing will reduce the average annual time of closure to less than two days.

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