- A significant milestone has been reached with major reconstruction works now delivered at Cunninghams Gap.
- The project has restored and strengthened a critical section of the Cunningham Highway following bushfire damage.
- These upgrades will help keep freight moving, improve safety and support regional communities that depend on this key transport link.
Motorists, freight operators and local communities are set to benefit from improved safety and resilience on the Cunningham Highway following the completion of major reconstruction works at Cunninghams Gap.
The works have restored bushfire-damaged infrastructure and strengthened one of Queensland’s most important freight corridors against future severe weather events and rockfall hazards.
Road users travelling through the area will also experience smoother traffic flow along the freight corridor, with the steepest part of the road at the crest reduced to create an easier ascent for heavy vehicles.
Construction crews worked within the challenging, narrow terrain of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the completion of the project was a significant milestone for the recovery and resilience of a key national transport corridor.
“The Cunningham Highway is a vital freight and transport link for Queensland and the nation, and these works will help ensure communities, businesses and freight operators can continue to rely on this important route for years to come,” Minister McBain said.
“Through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments worked together to restore bushfire-damaged infrastructure while keeping this critical freight corridor open throughout construction.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the project delivered long-term benefits for Queensland motorists and freight operators.
“This project has restored one of Queensland’s most important transport corridors following the severe impact of bushfires,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“Cunninghams Gap is a critical freight lifeline for Queensland, which is why keeping around 6,000 vehicles moving safely every day throughout construction was our absolute priority.
“These works have stabilised the mountainside, strengthened the highway against future impacts and improved traffic flow for the freight operators and motorists who rely on this route every day.
“The Crisafulli Government is focused on delivering resilient transport infrastructure that keeps Queensland connected, supports regional economies and ensures freight can continue moving safely across the state.”
Queensland Senator Corinne Mulholland said the completion of the Cunninghams Gap reconstruction works was a welcome milestone for the Scenic Rim community and everyone who relies on this iconic route.
“I want to thank the Scenic Rim community, motorists and businesses for their patience in living with this road disruption while these essential upgrades were delivered,” Senator Mulholland said.
“Cunninghams Gap is more than just a road. It is a gateway to one of Queensland’s most beautiful regions and a critical link for freight operators, farmers, businesses, and the thousands of tourists who come to experience the incredible hikes of Main Range National Park, visit Stanthorpe, explore Girraween, or even travel further beyond.
“So in this way these critical road upgrades improvements are not only an investment in safety, they’re also an investment in the local economy and daily life of locals who regularly commute on this road.”
State Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause said Cunningham’s Gap was a lifeline for his community.
“The Cunningham Highway through Cunningham’s Gap is key connector for people and freight travelling in and out of the Scenic Rim, which makes a more resilient road more important as our state continues to grow,” Mr Krause said.
“This has been extraordinarily complex work, but it has not been without its challenges, which is why we’re thankful to drivers and freight operators for their patience.
“Now, they pay off will be a more resilient road, and better connection into the future for those communities who rely on the Cunningham Highway.”
