Transport workers facing an extra hazard - crocodiles
Shire roads
Road and ferry workers have been dealing with the added challenge of lurking crocodiles while working on Douglas Shire transport projects at the Daintree River.
The State Government Transport and Main Roads Department (TMR) has been working on the Mossman-Daintree Road where it runs beside the river, with local crocodiles looking on curiously.
“One of the local crocodiles (is) regularly spotted from the reconstruction site,” a TMR release states.
“He has not been admitted on site due to lacking hi-vis.”
And earlier this month Pacific Marine Group workers doing preparation works for the Douglas Shire Council Daintree River Ferry replacement project were using croc cages to ensure safety.
“While most of us were sleeping, a team of early risers - suited up in diving gear fit for a deep-sea expedition - were already hard at work at the Daintree River,” DSC stated.
“All of this was carried out inside crocodile-protection cages, keeping the crew safe from any curious river dwellers lurking nearby.”
Recent DSC contractor works at the ferry site have included testing the existing ferry tie-up pylons to make sure they are ready for the new ferry, removing old pylon ladders and platforms, and installing new ladders.
And the TMR roadworks include stabilising the hillside under the road, with more than 1500m of nails being drilled horizontally into the hill below.
Retention piles are also being drilled vertically into the hill to help further stabilise the foundation.
For further information about TMR roadworks, visit Far North Queensland cyclone reconstruction works | Department of Transport and Main Roads.
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