Mackay-Eungella Road will partially reopened to overnight- and Sunday traffic.
The road has been closed in both directions on the Eungella Rang due to damage caused by heavy rainfall, but Transport and Main Roads has decided to allow travel, under traffic control, from 5.30pm to 6am nightly and all day on Sundays.
TMR Central Queensland regional director Dave Grosse says access to Eungella was now only restricted during day construction hours, to ensure safety of roadworkers and motorists and progress repairs.
“This decision will give residents more flexibility to travel the range after work hours until the early morning,” Mr Grosse says.
“We realise the temporary closures are impacting on residents and businesses on weekends so we are also increasing the available travel time on Sundays.
“More roadworks are required before 24-hour access is restored but I can assure the community we are working to fully reopen the road as soon as possible.”
For this to occur safely, Mr Grosse said three 30-minute travel windows still remained through the day construction hours from Monday to Saturday.
These are, weather and construction conditions permitting, from:
7.45am – 8.15am
12.30pm – 1pm
3.15pm – 3.45pm
Mr Grosse has thanked the community for its patience and understanding since the region was overwhelmed by the flooding which significantly impacted Mackay-Eungella Road late last month.
“We have been listening to residents and business owners, and doing our best to accommodate community feedback while also expediting the required work,” he says.
Mr Grosse says lighting will be in place and urged motorists to observe all signs, speed limits, traffic control and also drive to the conditions.
“Outside of work hours, delays of up to 30 minutes may be expected as travel will need to continue via a single lane under traffic control,” he said.
“We’re also expecting an increase in traffic on Sundays so we encourage people not to stop along the route to sightsee.”
Detours for travel between Eungella and Mackay during construction hours remain in place via Turrawulla Road and Lizzie Road for four-wheel-drives and high-clearance vehicles.
Mr Grosse says 24-hour access remained restricted to emergency services vehicles only.
For up-to-date information on road conditions and to plan your journey, call 13 19 40, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or download the QLDTraffic app.
