Peak Downs Highway sidetrack open while overpass repairs are underway
Motorists will now be able to use a newly built sidetrack to avoid hours-long delays on a busy highway in the state’s lucrative mining region. LATEST
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Motorists will now be able to use a newly built sidetrack near a damaged section of the Peak Downs Highway while the major road network is replaced.
The temporary two-kilometer fully-sealed route will minimises delays as work continued on the damaged overpass near BMA’s Caval Ridge mine.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads last month confirmed the overpass bridge at Winchester would have to be completely replaced after suffering significant damage when it was struck by a digger being moved on a 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 – has been working with mining giant BMA to construct a sidetrack near the damaged section, as the current detours in place were adding hours in travel time for some road users.
Extensive activities to build the sidetrack included earthworks, embankment works, paving and sealing, linemarking, installation of road signs, guardrails, temporary fencing and anti-gawk screens and establishing accesses for mine vehicles.
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 Department of Transport and Main Roads is now continuing to work with the mine operator to prioritise the safe removal of the excavator and low loader and reinstate the overpass to a safe condition,” TMR regional director Central Queensland Dave Grosse said.
“The highway was temporarily closed to ensure the safety of road users and site workers while the area was made safe, damage assessments were undertaken and the sidetrack was built.”
Traffic control, including signals, and reduced speeds will be in place and motorists are urged to continue to drive to the conditions and observe the direction of traffic control and signage.
Intermittent, minor delays can be expected.
The cost of repairs would be the subject of “ongoing cooperative, commercial-in-confidence discussions” between the department and BMA.
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Originally published as Peak Downs Highway sidetrack open while overpass repairs are underway
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