Wenlock River – Eastern Approach Upgrade

Working in collaboration with Cook Shire Council, an upgrade to the Eastern Approach of the Wenlock River Causeway in Far North Queensland has been successfully delivered.

Each wet season, the Wenlock River Causeway’s Eastern Approach becomes inundated and heavily damaged, restricting safe access for freight and local traffic to the Lockhart River community for extended periods. Fully loaded freight and material haulage vehicles have historically experienced bogging and mechanical failures due to steep gradients, unsuitable ground conditions, and underground springs—often requiring recovery support from Weipa, resulting in significant delays and disruption.

To address these long-standing challenges, the project delivered approximately 220m x 8m of reinforced concrete pavement along the Eastern Approach of Portland Roads Road.

Scope of Works included:

• Earthworks to reduce slope incline
• Replacement of unsuitable subgrade
• Installation of subsoil and wick drains
• Concrete pavement construction
• Concrete and rock drainage lines
• Batter benching
• Road signage installation

The upgraded approach significantly improves all-weather accessibility, providing safer and more reliable access for the Lockhart River community and freight operators, particularly during the wet season when the route is most vulnerable.