The rockface at the Sturt Street cutting car park is about to undergo stabilisation works.
The project which commenced on the 27th of June, follows a detailed engineering assessment by Townsville City Council and will involve the temporary closure of the car park at the cutting and the adjacent footpath.
One inbound lane on Sturt Street will also be temporarily closed between Fletcher Street and Blackwood Street.
Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson Cr Kurt Rehbein said up to 100 vehicles use the free carpark at the cutting on weekdays, so safety is the most important consideration.
“Over the past 20 years the Sturt Street cutting has been subject to rockslides and boulder movements, usually during the wet season,” Cr Rehbein said.
“Council’s stabilisation works on the rockface are aimed at minimising the risk of rock falls.”
Works will involve the installation of netting, rock bolts and shotcrete to form a stabilised rockface.
“Shotcrete is commonly used in a number of industries to apply concrete through hoses at high velocity onto uneven rock surfaces like the cutting,” Cr Rehbein said.
Due to the location of the work area, access through existing properties may be required periodically.
“We want to reduce disruption, so Council will maintain access for residents and businesses within this section of Sturt Street during the project,” Cr Rehbein said.
“Drivers are asked to do the right thing and adhere to speed limit changes as well as being mindful of people assisting with traffic management.”
Works on the Sturt Street cutting will occur Monday to Saturday between 6am and 6pm and are scheduled to be completed in August 2023.
Cr Rehbein said the dry season is the ideal time to undertake a project of this nature when there is less likelihood of weather-related delays.
“The works at the cutting will coincide with road closures around the Supercars events, and we thank residents for their patience while these essential works are completed.”
During the two-month project, residents who usually use the free carpark at the Sturt Street cutting will be able to use the Dean Street carpark in South Townsville. A temporary carpark off Wally Tallis Way next to the Queensland Country Bank Stadium will also be available. It will be delineated with flagging.
For more information about the Sturt Street cutting stabilisation project, visit Council’s website or call 13 48 10.
