There is cause for community celebration as the Sarina Range along Marlborough-Sarina Road reopens under traffic control from today (Monday 8 October).
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said today’s (October 8) reopening would offer a reprieve for residents impacted by the long-term closure of the road due to damage caused by cyclone Debbie.
"This is wonderful news and testament to the patience of the local community and hard work the restoration team has put in so far," Mrs Gilbert said.
"The landslips caused by Cyclone Debbie in March last year have caused significant disruption to people’s lives.
"Re-opening the road will give people hours in their week back that have otherwise would have been spent travelling on alternative routes to get to school, work or visit family and friends."
Education Minister Grace Grace said one of the first vehicles to cross the range was the local school bus which was granted early access last Friday.
"We wanted to ensure the road, which is still under construction, could safely accommodate a school bus and get students safely to school on their first day back of Term 4," Ms Grace said.
"We know this damage and extended closure has been tough on the local community which is why the crossing of the school bus last week was a momentous occasion."
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it was important to remember while the range was open to traffic, reconstruction work would continue until December, weather permitting.
"I wiuld like to remind motorists that safety is always our number one priority and there are changed traffic conditions along the Sarina Range section of Marlborough-Sarina Road," Mr Bailey said.
"The road has been re-opened under single-lane operation and will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
‘‘However, for the safety of the public traffic control and speed restrictions are in place.
‘‘An escort vehicle will also lead traffic queues up and down the Sarina Range crossing.
"Delays of up to 15 minutes are likely to occur along the route.’’
Mr Bailey said while the road remained a construction site, restrictions of 15 tonnes and 2.5 metres wide applied to heavy vehicles.
‘‘We will monitor this condition throughout the remainder of the restoration project,’’ Mr Bailey said.
‘‘Exemptions are already in place for the school bus and construction traffic.’’
Marlborough-Sarina Road, along the Sarina Range, was closed because of significant geotechnical failure, following substantial rainfall from cyclone Debbie in March last year.
Eligible reconstruction works will be jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
For up-to-date traffic information including restriction information along Marlborough-Sarina Road visit QLDtraffic.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.
