Pilbeam Drive progressing well

Published on 01 August 2016

THE traffic lights have come down at the site of one of the worst landslides caused by Tropical Cyclone Marcia on Mt Archer’s Pilbeam Drive.

The site, towards the top of the mountain, was one of the two worst-affected areas of the road, which was badly damaged by Marcia, which tore through the region in February 2015.

Chair of Rockhampton Regional Council’s Infrastructure Committee Cr Tony Williams said a $4.7m repair job – made possible through support from the State and Federal Government under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) - Category B and D - was progressing well and should be completed by the end of October.

“That will be a welcome relief for the small number of residents who live at the top of the mountain, the many tourists and locals who want to enjoy the magical views it offers and participants at this month’s Challenge the Mountain sporting event,” Cr Williams said.

Cr Williams today checked out progress work on the road.

The trail of destruction left in the wake of the cyclone included more than 140 defects, including 26 significant landslips.

Two of these were particularly bad.

Much of the repair work to date had focused on these two major landslides.

“Road construction at one of these sites, towards the top of the mountain, has been completed with the traffic lights now removed and both lanes open for traffic,” Cr Williams said.

“Work continues on the other main slide, towards the bottom of the mountain, with the hope this section of road will be re-opened very soon.”

He said the focus would then shift to some of the smaller to medium sized slips.

During this time the speed limit along the road will be reduced to 20kmh for safety reasons.

Damage to the road included landslips, scoured table drains, blocked culverts, pavement damage and debris build-up.

Councillors Fisher and Swadling, whose divisions incorporate Mt Archer, thanked the patience of residents in the area and the professionalism of the work crews.

Cr Fisher said crews had also worked closely with organisers of the upcoming Challenge the Mountain event, which will be held in late August, to make sure the community event could go ahead and run smoothly.

Repair works included:

First major landslip site

  • Descaling and treatment of damaged uphill batters including shotcreting and soil nailing  
  • Construction of retaining walls 
  • Horizontal realignment of the existing road  
  • Installation of major drainage structures 
  • Reinstatement of the road  
  • Guard rail installation

Second major landslip

  • Reinstall cross drainage concrete pipes  
  • Install storm water drop structure 
  • Reinstatement of the road with concrete kerb and channels  
  • Guard rail installation

Other works

  • Pavement repairs
    Resurfacing  
  • Table drain construction  
  • Installation of erosion control walls, mats and fences.
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