Nightworks not ruled out as option to fix Cape Tribulation Rd in time for wet season
ROAD REBUILD
Night road works might also be included to ensure the vital road link north of the Daintree River is fixed in time for the next wet season later this year.
As we reported recently, residents and businesses in Daintree expressed concerns that if the repair work on Cape Tribulation Road – especially to the Noah Range section near Cape Tribulation was not completed before possible heavy rainfall – that there might be another disastrous damage event.
Work also continues on the Alexandra Range section of the road.
Mayor responds to community questions about Cape Trib Rd
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon has responded to a range of issues raised by Daintree businesses and residents about the time frame for completing the road’s rebuild and repairs.
Newsport put several questions to the Mayor, and we received the following answers:
Newsport: Residents and business owners are concerned that the Noah Range, Cape Tribulation Road might not be rebuilt and repaired before the next wet season. What is the timeline for this particular section of road repair, and at what stage is it up to?
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon: The council has prioritised this road with the application for funding under the Emergency Reconstruction Works. DSC is the only council impacted by Jasper that has commenced works under ERW funding. Furthermore, DSC fulfilled its promise to extend the hours on Noah’s slip by Easter. For the permanent restoration of Noah’s and other sites along Cape Tribulation Road, the project team is preparing the Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets (REPA) submissions, environmental approvals, Geotech and survey investigations, design development and contract documentation. DSC is expecting works to continue along Alexandra Range until the wet season. DSC is expecting to commence clearing the remaining land mass at Noah’s slip from September onwards, once all approvals are gained. The wet weather throughout May and June has significantly hampered works on Alexandra Range.
NP: These same local residents are saying that there is a "lack of urgency" on Council's part in getting this vital part of the road repaired. What comment does Council have on this?
LS: The Council fully understands the importance of restoring the Cape Tribulation Road and is committed to ensuring that the necessary work is carried out efficiently and effectively. We have allocated the required resources to this project and are prioritising its completion. We recognise the urgency of the situation and are dedicated to finding the best approach to meet the needs of the community. Our Chief Engineer meets with the Community Reference Group weekly to provide an update on progress and answer any queries. The Chief Engineer attended a regional coordination meeting with all FNQ impacted council’s in early June. In terms of progress, DSC were the only council that already had two REPA packages out to market and the only council with Emergency Reconstruction works.
Newsport: Is there a particular reason why nightworks can't be conducted on the Cape Tribulation Road rebuild as is being done on other major roads in the region, eg. Kuranda Range?
LS: DSC has never alluded to ruling nightworks out. Nightworks are possibly a viable option and are being looked into for the future.
NP: Is Council concerned that with a growing number of tourism stay bookings in areas such as Cape Tribulation coming up this season, that Cape Tribulation Rd will not be able to handle the extra traffic, including towed campervans and motorhomes and the like?
LS: We continue to monitor Cape Tribulation Road from the Ferry to Cape Trib Beach House and schedule routine maintenance as required. Council is distributing Visitor Fact Sheets to travellers to advise of traffic conditions, and expected wait times. This information is widely distributed to tourism operators throughout the Shire and on our website.
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