Big wet not over as Diggers Bridge opening delayed again
EXTREME WEATHER
The recent floodwater in the shire has further delayed the opening of the new Diggers Bridge in the Mowbray Valley.
Douglas Shire Council advised today that the current road will remain closed to all traffic until 7.00am on Monday, 18 February.
“Diggers Bridge Contractors are repairing damage sustained to the new road approaches at Diggers Bridge when more than 500mm of rain fell,” Cr Leu said.
“The bitumen didn’t have time to cure and it was easy for the flood water to do damage to the road,” said Mayor Julia Leu.
Related Coverage:
- DIGGERS BRIDGE CLOSED AS MONSOONAL RAIN SET TO WASH OVER AUSTRALIA DAY
- DIGGERS BRIDGE TO CLOSE RIGHT BEFORE PROJECT COMPLETION
- NEW DIGGERS BRIDGE TO BE DELIVERED ON TIME AND UNDER BUDGET
Cr Leu said that Council is working hard to repair damage sustained to public infrastructure caused by the recent monsoonal downpours.
She said crews were doing their best to repair damage and clear landslips from roads.
“Our crews are working on several large landslips and have already filled many potholes,” she said.
“The intense rainfall has certainly left its mark and I ask the public for patience as we restore normality to problem areas.
“Douglas Shire has been activated for disaster relief so our council crews will be fixing damage and working closely with our community to restore the region.”
The Bloomfield Track remains closed as a crew clears the road from Wujal Wujal.
Cr Leu said although the monsoon is forecast to stay south of Cairns, people should be prepared for possible further heavy rainfall in Douglas Shire over the next few days.
“The recent severe rainfall events have stretched resources at many agencies in Douglas Shire,” she said.
“We have weathered the impacts of significant rainfall that has hit us intermittently since the start of December last year.
“We are not entirely out of the woods yet and I am still encouraging everyone to be vigilant.
“This means ensuring you have adequate medicine, food, water and fuel supplies to keep you going for several days.
“It also means familiarizing yourself with the Douglas Dashboard, tuning into ABC radio and following Council’s Facebook page for updates.”
Sand and sand bags have been placed at the SES Shed behind the council building in Mossman and Port Douglas Sports Oval car park off Wharf St.
Additional damage areas:
• Landslips - Alexandra Range, Thornton Beach and Noahs range have landslips. Alexandra range has only one lane open under traffic lights.
• Upper Daintree road has a major land slip. A loader and a number of trucks are working on the road.
• Stewarts Creek road landslip has a backhoe and three trucks clearing the road.
• Ponzo road landslip is closed to one lane and it will remain that way until further notice.
Road damage:
• Old Forestry Rd near Baio Bridge is washed away, however, you can access Old Forestry Rd from the other entry.
• The floating walkway at Daintree River near the ferry has broken its moorings and is currently tied to nearby trees.
• Interim repairs on Alexandra Range are being organised after an area of the road was washed out.
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