Brisbane City Council has commenced construction of the upgrade of the culvert under Rafting Ground Road at Brookfield (near Willunga Street) to improve the road’s immunity to flooding and increase safety for all road users.
Background
Rafting Ground Road at Brookfield currently experiences flooding during medium to heavy rainfall events. The existing road dips significantly at the culverts where Moggill Creek crosses under it and has no facilities for cyclists, pedestrians or horse riders. At least two vehicles have reportedly been washed off this section of road during two separate flood events.
Rafting Ground Road culvert upgrade project will:
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reduce the frequency of flooding on the road
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realign and straighten this section of the road
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provide bicycle lanes, a pedestrian footpath and grassed path for horse riders
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improve safety for all road users.
Project Features:
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raising the existing roadway by approximately two metres to allow three new box culverts to be installed
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realigning the road to remove the bend
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widening the road by approximately five metres to a total width of 11 metres (including on–road bicycle lanes)
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realigning the road’s intersection with Willunga Street to improve the operation of this intersection and improve visibility for motorists exiting this street
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constructing a 2.5 metre wide pedestrian path along the eastern side of the road
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providing a grassed verge on the western side of the road for horse riders.
Rafting Ground Road will be closed at the culvert for most of the construction period.
While the road may still flood in heavy rainfall events, the larger culverts will allow a greater volume of water to flow under the road before any water runs over it.
Council is committed to ensuring this project has a positive impact on the surrounding environment. Plans and re-planting program have been developed in consultation with local environmental groups. Native shrubs and trees that fit the rural character of the suburb will be planted.
Click here to view the project plan.
Construction timing and road closure
Initial construction work commenced on Friday 25 September 2009. The road has been closed to vehicles since Monday 16 November 2009. Motorists need to use alternative routes such as Moggill and Brookfield roads.
Electronic message boards are positioned on both sides of the culvert crossing to ensure community awareness. A traffic alert has been placed in the local paper.
Access is available through the construction site for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, but may be restricted in extreme weather conditions due to safety concerns.
Cyclists and horse riders are asked to dismount before travelling through this area, as Council regulations dictate.
More information
For more information about the Rafting Ground Road culvert upgrade: