The Palmerston Highway is reopening to all traffic this weekend after suffering significant landslips and pavement failures as a result of record rainfall associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

Urgent works to open a single lane on the key Tableland region route were jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and have been completed ahead of time.

Crews from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) laid a fresh seal over a temporary track single lane between Crawford’s Lookout and Junction Road earlier this week.

Works included excavating 4200 tonnes of earth, installing 5400 tonnes of rock, laying 1500 tonnes of road base, followed by laying 150 tonnes of asphalt. Crews also installed 60 lengths of stormwater pipe.

“Our crews have put in an enormous effort to finish and reopen a critical freight route in the Far Northern District,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said.

“TMR understands the impact that damage to the Palmerston Highway has had on heavy vehicle operators, the agricultural sector and Tablelands residents and businesses.

“These works were conducted in a complex and challenging environment that included the only full-width pavement slips on state-controlled roads in Far North District.

“The damage was significant – the entire hill with the road on it had sunk 2m and shifted 2m sidewards down the hill.

“Although some heavy rain did postpone works, TMR crews pulled out all the stops to safely complete works and ease pressure on the state-controlled road network.

“The single lane will accommodate all traffic including heavy vehicles and TMR will continue to investigate long-term solutions for repairs to the Palmerston Highway.”

Operators of excess mass vehicles must apply for a permit through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator at www.nhvr.gov.au/about-us/nhvr-portal.