General News
13 January, 2026
Crucial route restored
A CYCLONE-damaged site on the Palmerston Highway – a vital freight route in Far North Queensland – has been repaired.
As well, reconstruction works on two upslope slip sites on the Bruce Highway, south of Deeral and Miriwinni, have also been completed.
Both lanes on the Palmerston have reopened on the upslope landslip area with a reduced speed limit while work continues to repair downslope and upslope damage on a second site.
The upslope landslip, 1.5km west of Henrietta Creek day use area, was a result of the record rainfall linked to Tropical Cyclone Jasper, measured more than 20m in height and 75m at its widest point.
More than 3000m of soil nails and 2000sqm of high tensile steel wire mesh and coir netting were installed along with 300m of sub-surface horizontal drains, to stabilise the slip.
The bottom section of the slope was stabilised first, with a 5m-wide bench created for the excavator to reach the upper section of the slope.
Stabilisation of a second site, 2.5km west of Crawford’s Lookout, continues with work expected to be completed mid-2026, pending weather and site conditions.
Transport and Main Roads NQ acting regional director Brendan Clancy said TMR crews were working together to reinstate the Palmerston Highway to its pre-disaster function.
“The damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which was one of the wettest tropical cyclones in Australian history, was significant as were the emergency works to address the most urgent landslip and pavement failures completed shortly after the event,” he said.
“Many of Far North Queensland’s residents and businesses rely on key infrastructure assets like this to support the local economy, enabling both visitors to travel around the world-renowned tourist region, and supplies to be transported for primary producers.
“The cyclone damage to this critical freight route was significant, with a section of the road sinking 2m and shifting 2m sideways.”
Both Bruce Highway sites are now fully reopened to two-lane traffic with the 100km/h speed limit reinstated. Works included slope stabilisation, installation of long term sub-horizontal drainage, rockfall mesh and anchors and erosion control mats.
Mr Clancy said that repairing the Bruce Highway was a priority for the government.
Other works in the Far North are also progressing with 20 upslope and downslope landslips stabilised on the Kennedy Highway (Kuranda Range Road).
