Rock wall works for iconic cutting
Date published: 9 September 2025
Works are well and truly underway to stabilise the rockface of the Stanley Street cutting to ensure the safety of road users for years to come.
Acting Mayor and divisional councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the Stanley Street cutting was a historical route through the city, noting its importance to both road users and walkers.
“The cutting experiences high volumes of daily vehicle traffic and is a popular section of road that links the city to North Ward especially for Castle Hill walkers,” Cr Greaney said.
“While the section of road, with the Victoria St bridge passing over it is certainly iconic, the steep rock walls are not without their engineering and safety challenges and are susceptible to rocks and earth loosening and slipping, particularly around wet weather events.
“Which is why Council is investing $2.16 million into making sure the iconic section of road remains safe for years to come, with appropriate stabilisation works.”
The works are set to take another 8 weeks to complete and include breaking away any loose sections of rock, drilling dowels into the face and reinforcing the slope with rockfall mesh and shotcrete.
“It is not a small job, there’s plenty involved to make sure the reinforcement works are done properly, which is why we have engaged Shamrock Civil to complete the job,” Cr Greaney said.
“The job will include about 10 tons of reinforcement mesh and 280 tonnes of shotcrete to stabilise the slope.
“The works can be loud and are set to take a few more weeks to complete yet, so we appreciate the community’s patience while we get the job done.”
The works are subject to road closures and detours are in place with inbound traffic in the city directed to Denham St. Traffic originating from North Ward will also be redirected to Denham Street to access the city.
Normal work hours are 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
For more information on the Castle Hill Road and Stanley St Slope remediation works, visit Castle Hill Road & Stanley Street Slope Remediation - Townsville City Council.
