Permanent reconstruction works begin on Palmerston Highway

Preliminary reconstruction works requiring 1200 cubic metres of concrete and 7km of soil nails have started on two sites on the Palmerston Hwy following the devastating damage sustained during Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

Artist's impression of completed reconstruction. Source: TMR

Preliminary works have started on two sites on the Palmerston Hwy following damage sustained during Tropical Cyclone Jasper and associated flooding.

Construction and engineering firm John Holland Queensland have been awarded the contract for the works which commenced on December 11.

Transport and Main Roads North Queensland regional director Ross Hodgman said since the completion of the emergency repair phase, a great deal of work has gone on behind the scenes, into surveying and geotechnical inspections, planning and designing.

Artist's impression of completed reconstruction. Source: TMR

“The magnitude of the reconstruction works to be delivered cannot be understated,” he said.

Complex geotechnical works will be undertaken at the sites with the permanent reconstruction works involving cast in-situ concrete piles, soil nailing, gabion structures and landscaping and hydromulching.

“At both sites, more than seven kilometres of soil nails and micro piles will be needed – that’s the equivalent of four times the height of Mt Bartle Frere – Queensland’s highest mountain.

“There’s 1200 lineal metres of cast in-situ concrete piling, about 1200 cubic metres of concrete – around half an Olympic sized swimming pool – and more than 2000 lineal metres of high tensile steel mesh, which will be used to stabilise both sites.”

The damage to the Palmerston Highway earlier this week. Picture: Office of Bob Katter

The road was identified as requiring the highest priority reconstruction works across Far North Queensland.

“TMR is aware of the importance of the road to the freight industry, as the only designated route for B-doubles and Type 1 road trains between the coast and Atherton Tablelands,” Mr Hodgman said.

“TMR is working closely with environmental authorities to ensure that works within the sensitive and unique environment are appropriately managed and closely monitored.

The Palmerston Highway has received extensive damage following heavy rain and flooding in the days after Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Picture: TMR

“We will work with the contractor to minimise impacts on the community as much as possible, however, the nature of the works means traffic delays and changed traffic conditions will be unavoidable.”

During the preliminary works, both sites will operate under changed traffic conditions which will include single lane closures and a reduced speed limit through the site.

Originally published as Permanent reconstruction works begin on Palmerston Highway