By Jeremy Sollars
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has confirmed there have been “minor” rock falls on the highway through Cunningham’s Gap resulting from recent rainfall but not enough to impact traffic flow – other than the current lane restriction.
TMR is believed to be closely monitoring Cunningham’s Gap following patchy yet heavy falls of rain at times across the Main Range over the last two weeks.
The cliff face above the highway through the Gap has been the site of numerous rock falls and land slips over the past decade-plus as a result of rainfall, with TMR currently undertaking engineering investigations at the Gap, which will see lane restrictions continue for some weeks.
The department has not provided a date on when the current restriction will be lifted.
Social media discussion several days ago suggested a major rock fall had taken place last Thursday evening but this was incorrect.
Earlier today – Tuesday 5 January – a TMR spokesman told the Free Times there have been “some minor rock falls at Cunningham’s Gap (on the Cunningham Highway) during the recent wet weather”.
“There has been no impact to traffic as one lane, both east and westbound, remains open,” the spokesman said.
“Debris captured by the temporary barriers will be removed this week and we will continue to inspect the road regularly.
“Motorists are advised to check qldtraffic.qld.gov.au for up-to-date traffic and travel information.”
Storms and possible heavy rainfall is forecast for the Warwick and Stanthorpe areas tomorrow – Wednesday 6 January– and into Thursday.
The rain, if it comes, will be the result of what the Bureau of Meteorology says is a trough moving across southern Queensland, not directly related to the tropical low currently over the north of the state.
‘INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUING’…
“The design phase of the Cunninghams Gap reconstruction project, including the ground investigations, is underway,” the TMR spokesman said today.
“The outcomes of these investigations will help determine the best way to repair the damage.
“We continue to work with the independent technical reviewer to ensure the most suitable engineering solution and best value for money for taxpayers is identified.
“Construction will follow once the design is complete.
“Further information will be provided to the community once the design is finalised and the reconstruction work details, timing and locations are known.”
TMR is yet to indicate what “engineering solution” is proposed for the Gap but the department has previously suggested the removal of significant unstable areas of the cliff face could be necessary in the early part of 2021.
The recent rain is likely to have added to unstable conditions at the Gap which were also exacerbated by the 2019-2020 bushfires, which resulted in rock falls in January of 2020 and extensive traffic disruption.
