Major works to provide safer access to Barron Gorge

Major works will be undertaken on a section of Barron Gorge Road over the next few months to provide users with a safer access to the popular recreational area.

The works will centre on Macca’s Bluff, about 1km east of the power station car park, where poor soil and rock stability has led to a number of rock falls over many years.

To provide a long-term solution, Council has opted to install an 80m long concrete and steel rock fall barrier which is designed to capture falling rocks from the unstable slope, or deflect them away from the road.

Division 8 Councillor Jessie Richardson said she was thrilled that works would be underway soon and asked for users to be patient during the construction phase.

“This section of road has been of concern for some time and I am thrilled that we will be able to considerably improve the safety of this area for the many people who use it for walking, cycling and running, as well as buses taking rafters up there on a daily basis,” Cr Richardson said.

Council had been advised that the average weight of rocks falling were around 10kg although during the 2011/2012 wet season there were some larger rockfall events.

The works, which involve the installation of an 80m concrete and steel rock fall barrier, slight widening of the road pavement and a new guardrail, will commence on 20 August 2012 and are expected to be completed by November.

During construction the road will be closed to the public, with only essential vehicles allowed access through to the power station. A vehicle turnaround area will be provided before the work site, however large vehicles and buses should not proceeded further than the designated turnaround area just past the residential area.

The works will be funded by Cairns Regional Council with a contribution from the State Government’s Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).