Forrest Hills Drive detour - FAQs
What is happening?
The road will be temporarily closed to allow essential works to be carried out safely, including open trenching across Forest Hills Drive, construction and installation of the pipeline. Once work is complete, the road will be temporarily restored and reopened to traffic, with permanent reinstatement to occur at a later date. You will receive a project update notice once the date is confirmed.
[TS1]Can we give an approximate month for restoration?
Why can’t the works be completed without closing the road?
The project was originally designed to use an auger boring technique, which would have allowed the works to be completed beneath the road with minimal disruption to traffic. However, unexpected hard rock and ground conditions encountered during construction have made this method unfeasible.
To complete the installation, an open trench excavation is now required across the roadway. This excavation occupies the full width of the work area and involves heavy machinery, exposed trenches, and underground services, making it unsafe to maintain vehicle access through the site during construction.
A range of alternative construction and traffic management options were investigated, including staged construction and maintaining a single traffic lane through the work area. However, due to the road's topography, available working space, excavation requirements and safety considerations, these options were not considered feasible. The depth and extent of the excavation, combined with the need to safely operate heavy equipment and maintain trench stability, mean the works cannot be undertaken in sections while safely accommodating through traffic.
Following a review of available engineering and construction methods, a temporary full road closure was identified as the safest and most practical approach to complete the works efficiently and minimise the overall duration of disruption to the community.
Why wasn't the hard rock identified earlier?
Pre-construction investigations were undertaken to understand underground conditions; however, subsurface conditions can vary significantly and are not always fully apparent until excavation or drilling activities commence. The hard rock encountered during construction was more extensive than anticipated and has affected the viability of the original construction method.
When will the road closure occur?
The road closure will be in place from Tuesday, 30 June to Sunday, 12 July 2026 (including Saturday work).
Construction activities are expected to take approximately one week to complete. The two-week closure period includes contingency for weather and site conditions. Should works finish earlier than anticipated, the road closure will be removed, and access restored ahead of schedule.
Which roads will be affected?
The closure will affect a section of Forest Hills Drive, Morayfield (please refer to our project update notice, which provides the location of the closure and detour route).
What detours will be available?
Clearly signed detour routes will be in place. Motorists are encouraged to follow all traffic management signage and allow extra travel time. VMS boards and corflute signage will be in place 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the detour.
What hours will work be taking place?
Road crossing works will need to be completed continuously over a twenty-four-hour period to safely complete the works and minimize overall duration of disruption to the community. While the works are expected take approximately one week to complete the two week closure period allows for potential weather and site delays.
Will there be noise during the works?
As works will be undertaken continuously with noise, dust and lighting impacts expected during both day and night. This will include minor vibration from machinery, such as concrete cutters and jackhammers.
To minimise disruption to nearby residents, where possible the noisier construction activities will be undertaken during daytime hours. Temporary acoustic barriers will be installed around the work area. Every effort will be made to minimise impacts on the surrounding community.
How will emergency services be accommodated?
Emergency services will be notified of these works and will be provided with detour information.
What should I do if I need to travel through the area?
Plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow all temporary traffic management signs and directions from traffic controllers. Depending on your usual route, delays of up to 25 minutes may be experienced. Motorists are encouraged to use their preferred navigation app or GPS to plan their journey and check expected travel times before travelling.
What happens if there is bad weather?
Weather conditions may affect the schedule. Any significant changes to the closure dates or times will be communicated to the community as soon as possible.
Will waste collection services be affected?
Waste collection services are expected to continue as usual. Residents should place their bins out for collection unless otherwise advised. If access arrangements are expected to affect waste collection at your property, the project team will contact you directly and provide further information.
How will the community be notified of updates?
Updates will be provided through works notices, doorknocking activities, social media channels and phone calls to those directly impacted.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Downer’s Community Engagement team on 0437 614 484 or email unitywater.projects@downergroup.com