Source: TMR
Progress continues on restoring the bushfire-damaged section of the Cunningham Highway at Cunninghams Gap. Construction activities at Cunninghams Gap are ongoing and include the use of tower cranes to advance work on the two largest retaining walls located on the lower side of the highway.
As the project site is situated on a national freight route, these tower cranes are highly effective in minimising traffic disruptions during the downslope retaining wall works. By operating from fixed positions, the cranes reduce the need for heavy machinery to access the worksite via the road, helping to maintain smoother traffic flow. Additionally, their ability to lift and position materials behind safety barriers ensures efficient construction processes, shortens the duration of traffic impacts, and enhances safety for both workers and road users.
As part of the project, close to 1,600 tonnes of asphalt and around 9,000 tonnes of concrete have been recycled. Approximately 800 metres of the 1-kilometre rockfall protection fencing has been completed, with the remaining section expected to be finished by early 2026.
Earlier this month, the Crest Carpark reopened. A median safety treatment has been installed at the Crest Carpark to prevent right turns on entry and exit. This safety measure provides several benefits for road users, including:
As right turns are not permitted, some road users will need to perform U-turns to complete their desired movements.
In early 2026, single-lane traffic conditions will be in place for the demobilisation of two tower cranes near the eastbound traffic lane at Cunninghams Gap. Road users will be notified closer to the date via traffic alerts and with updates to the QLDTraffic website and app. Road users are encouraged to stay informed of traffic changes at Cunninghams Gap by signing up for project updates and traffic alerts by contacting the project team.
During project work hours, traffic is held intermittently for up to 15 minutes for the movement of plant and equipment and to undertake construction activities at Cunninghams Gap from 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Road users may experience longer delays due to oversize overmass (OSOM) vehicles travelling through the Gap. This is due to the Cunningham Highway being a National Freight Route for OSOM vehicles. All eastbound and westbound traffic is held each time an OSOM vehicle travels through the project site.
Traffic changes will continue to be communicated to the community in advance through electronic roadside signage, the QLDTraffic website and app and to subscribers for SMS or email updates. Road users are advised to follow directional signage and allow extra travel time. Priority access through the project site will be given to emergency vehicles, where possible.
TMR together with the Queensland Police Service, advises that curfew periods will apply to certain oversize heavy vehicles across Queensland during the 2025-2026 Christmas and New Year holiday season. Please note the following restrictions apply to oversize vehicles:
Operators must check the Conditions of Operations Database before starting your journey.
Before travel, operators must ensure they comply with the Queensland Access Conditions Guide.
Safety improvement works are also progressing on the Cunningham Highway between the Fisher Park Truck Stop (Tregony) and South Branch Road (Maryvale). These works are expected to be completed by mid-2026, weather and construction conditions permitting. During this time, access to the Fisher Park Rest Areas will remain closed. Road users are encouraged to plan their stops at alternative rest areas, including:
Construction on this project site is now paused for the holiday period and will resume on Monday 5 January 2026. Road users can stay informed of the traffic changes on this section of the Cunningham Highway by contacting the team via: