Mount Spec Road reconstruction works

The Queensland Government is repairing Mount Spec Road after substantial structural damage following record rainfall in early 2025. This includes more than 60 landslips, with 6 major and 2 high-risk sites.

The road was closed on 29 January 2025 due to safety concerns.

Following emergency works, the road reopened on 18 August 2025 to the public via a restricted access permit system while the 2 high-risk sites were addressed.

The first high-risk site involved the safe removal of an unstable 400-tonne boulder near Little Crystal Creek in November 2025. The second high-risk site saw the installation of a three-layer shipping container safety wall consisting of 27 large shipping containers.

On 29 March 2026, the vehicle permit system was lifted following positive geotechnical safety assessments at the high-risk sites.

Heritage listing

While Mount Spec Road's heritage listing did not significantly impact emergency works, it must be considered in the design and full reconstruction of the road.

Its heritage listing covers the road and associated infrastructure, including bridges, culverts, stone pitched kerb and channels, and road furniture. While this presents challenges, the design and associated works will still restore the asset to its pre-event function.

Benefits

Contributes to economy
Contributes to regional growth
Restores damaged infrastructure

Key features

Restoring access for communities and businesses
Restoring damaged roads and road surfaces
Restoring damaged slopes and batters.

Funding

The recovery works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Current status

The contract for the reconstruction works was awarded to Civil Mining & Construction Pty Ltd in October 2025.

Reconstruction works have increased on Mount Spec Road to a 24-hour, 7-days-a week schedule.

Repairs are being carried out across 35 damaged sites, along with minor pavement and culvert reconstruction.

Current works include slope stabilisation, spraying Geobinder to minimise erosion, and layering of fibrecrete.

The geometry of the road in conjunction with the ongoing works means the road is not suitable for all vehicles. The types of vehicles deemed suitable have not changed since the permit system was removed - if a vehicle was previously allowed, it remains suitable. As a guide:

Vehicles with small trailers are suitable – for example, a dual cab 4WD towing a box trailer.
Larger trailers are not suitable – including larger caravans and similar long or heavy trailer combinations.

Vehicle escort systems

A daytime vehicle escort system has operated since December 2025.

The service operates from 6am to 6pm Monday-Sunday, with escorted movements departing on the hour, every hour with 2 vehicle escorts operating simultaneously at both entry points to Mount Spec Road. The final service departs at 6pm.

If traffic volumes increase, the daytime vehicle escort system may be amended to safely manage vehicle movements which may include limiting vehicle numbers under scheduled escorts, pausing scheduled escorts in one direction or adding additional escorts.

The nighttime vehicle escort system will continue to operate between the hours of 6pm and 6am Monday-Sunday during the scheduled road closure. This service requires pre-booking and accommodates shift workers and emergency travel.