Mackay-Eungella Road on Eungella Range is reopening to traffic within restricted timeframes from today (Tuesday 24 January).
Road users will be able to travel under traffic control at the following times each day weather permitting:
5.30am – 6am
7.45am – 8.15am
12.30 pm – 1pm
3.15pm – 3.45pm
5.30pm – 6pm.
Outside these hours, an alternate, western detour between Eungella and Mackay is available via Turrawulla Road and Lizzie Road for four-wheel drives and high clearance vehicles.
Twenty-four-hour access remains restricted to emergency services vehicles only.
Transport and Main Roads Central Queensland Regional Director Stephen Price says plans to reopen the road under limited access have been fast-tracked thanks to the excellent progress made by road crews on the weekend.
“Despite the extent of damage to Eungella Range from the recent heavy rainfall, our crews have cleared a huge amount of debris and completed the required emergency repairs in a short amount of time,” Mr Price says.
“We’re still working to restore 24-hour access to Eungella as soon as possible.
“Meanwhile we’re doing our best to allow intermittent travel for the community, including the school bus service.
“This arrangement is expected to remain in place to ensure safety of workers and road users while further repairs continue.
“Safety of road users is our priority and we thank the community for its patience during this closure and across the entire network where there are temporary changed traffic conditions.
“We continue to urge all motorists to drive to the conditions across the Mackay Whitsunday district and obey all signs, which are there for their safety.”
