Palmerston Highway reopened ahead of schedule after major cyclone damage

In a major boost for the region’s economy, freight and tourism industries, key B-Double access for producers on the Tablelands has reopened ahead of schedule.

The before and after transformation on the Palmerston Highway. Picture: TMR

In a major boost for the region’s economy, transport, and freight needs, the most important link south for producers on the Tablelands has reopened ahead of schedule.

The Palmerston Highway was reopened to all traffic, including heavy vehicles on Friday February 9.

The highway suffered significant landslips and pavement failures as a result of record rainfall associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

The damage to the Palmerston Highway in December. Picture: Office of Bob Katter

The urgent works to open a single lane were jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and have been completed ahead of time.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said Through the DRFA, state and local governments are able to undertake emergency works to repair roads to a trafficable condition as soon as practically possible.

“I want to commend crews for their work to get this road open as soon as possible in challenging conditions – their efforts will help people travel to work, school, see their friends and family, and importantly, help economic activity flow easier to Tablelands communities,” the Minister said.

Work crews at the Palmerston Highway clear the roadway of vegetation and rock following major landslides in the wake of Ex Cyclone Jasper. Picture: Transport and Main Roads

“We know that there is more work to be done across an absolutely massive area, but I want to assure people we will continue to work with the Queensland Government to forge ahead with the recovery.”

Construction of the single lane section began on January 8, 2024 after the hill stopped moving and the ground had dried sufficiently to enable work to begin and crews from the Department of Transport and Main Roads laid a fresh seal over a temporary track single lane between Crawford’s Lookout and Junction Road earlier this week.

Works included excavating 4200 tonnes of earth, installing 5400 tonnes of rock, laying 1500 tonnes of road base, followed by laying 150 tonnes of asphalt. Crews also installed 60 lengths of stormwater pipe.

A single lane section of the Palmerston Highway was expected to open to all traffic midway through February, according to the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Picture: TMR

Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said crews have put in an enormous effort to finish and reopen the critical freight route.

“TMR understands the impact that damage to the Palmerston Highway has had on heavy vehicle operators, the agricultural sector and Tablelands residents and businesses,” he said.

“These works were conducted in a complex and challenging environment that included the only full width pavement slips on state-controlled roads in Far North District.

“The damage was significant – the entire hill with the road on it had sunk two metres and shifted two metres sidewards down the hill.

“Although some heavy rain did postpone works, TMR crews pulled out all the stops to safely complete works and ease pressure on the state-controlled road network.

“The single lane will accommodate all traffic including heavy vehicles and TMR will continue to investigate long term solutions for repairs to the Palmerston Highway.”

Operators of excess mass vehicles must apply for a permit through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

Originally published as Palmerston Highway reopened ahead of schedule after major cyclone damage