Major works are underway on Connells Bridge Road with upcoming works to commence on Wheatvale Plains Road after Easter and expected to be completed by June this year.

Southern Downs Council’s Chief Executive Officer Dave Burges said “Both Connells Bridge Road and Wheatvale Plains Road are susceptible to prolonged closures during floods and they sustained major damage in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 events which left the roads closed for multiple weeks.

“As these roads provide essential access for local farmers, producers and residents, the impact of the road closures was felt across the community.”

Leader of The Nationals and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the crucial works would offer long-term benefits for the region.

“The Southern Downs community showed incredible resilience during flood events from 2020 to 2022 and these vital works will go a long way to repairing key roads for the region,” Mr Littleproud said.

“It gives me great pride to have helped secure the federal funds to make these projects a reality and I look forward to seeing the positive long-term impacts they will have for the community.”

The roads will be closed for the duration of the project and traffic will be temporarily detoured via Blacksoil Lane.

Regular inspections and maintenance of the gravel road will be undertaken, and motorists are reminded to drive to conditions.

Connells Bridge Road is currently closed and Wheatvale Plains Road will close after Easter.

The existing sealed bridge approaches at Connells Bridge Road will be replaced with concrete pavements.

Wheatvale Plains Road will be lowered through the floodway located just north of Blacksoil Lane and replaced with a foam bitumen pavement with concrete and rock erosion edge protection.

This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 3 April 2024.