25 October, 2023
Troublesome Gatton-Clifton Road section could be moved
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is investigating a new permanent alignment for a section of Gatton-Clifton Road at Mount Whitestone.
Motorists familiar with the road will be aware of the 400 metre section at Mount Whitestone, between Ma Ma Creek and Fordsdale where the speed limit is reduced to 40km/h, down from 100km/h either side of it.
TMR began a planning project in February this year that aims to identify a new permanent alignment for Gatton–Clifton Road to bypass the section that is affected and at-risk from a large and slow-moving landslip at Mount Whitestone.
“Mount Whitestone is moving laterally at an average rate of 1mm per day, causing tension cracks, subsidence and land surface deformation that is affecting Gatton–Clifton Road,” a report on the TMR website says.
“Extensive monitoring and geotechnical investigations have been conducted since 2010 to understand the impact on the road, and temporary measures have been implemented to maintain road user safety.”
Input is sought by TMR from locals regarding the landscape and history of Mount Whitestone and Ma Ma Creek, as well as the proposed realignment of Gatton–Clifton Road between Dry Creek Bridge and Ma Ma Creek Bridge.
The project aims to:
Develop a plan to maintain transport connectivity in the event of a slope failure at Mount Whitestone.
Address community concerns about long-term connectivity and accessibility for local and regional traffic.
Complete investigations and develop a preferred option ahead of a need for design and construction.
Ensure the ongoing viability and efficiency of the network link.
The business case for this project, totalling $880,000, is fully funded by the Queensland Government through the Transport System Planning Program.
Planning is expected to be completed in June 2025.
