A newly completed wildlife underpass beneath Toohey Road is designed to help koalas and other native animals move safely between habitat areas within Toohey Forest, while reducing the risk of wildlife entering traffic lanes.
Why The Underpass Was Built
Project information outlines the underpass as a measure to minimise animal crossings across Toohey Road and improve safety outcomes for both motorists and fauna. The location sits within a connected habitat area linked to Toohey Forest, where maintaining movement between food sources and shelter areas is considered important for wildlife resilience and survival.
The project also aims to strengthen habitat connectivity, allowing animals to move more freely between bushland areas and reducing the likelihood of animals attempting to cross the road surface.
What Was Installed
The underpass includes a 2.4-metre by 2.4-metre culvert installed beneath Toohey Road, positioned southwest of the Toohey Picnic Area. Inside the culvert, a raised log pole frame was constructed to provide a bridge-style option that allows animals to move through the crossing without travelling directly along the ground.
Mulch and natural materials were placed at the base of the culvert to help the structure blend with the surrounding environment and encourage wildlife to use the crossing. Fauna fencing with wildlife escape hatches was installed on both sides of the road to guide animals towards the underpass and away from traffic.
Construction Timing And Access
Construction commenced in mid-November 2025 and was completed within the expected two-month timeframe. Works were undertaken between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m., Sunday to Thursday, to minimise traffic disruption. Toohey Road was fully closed from 8 p.m. Friday 14 November to 5 a.m. Monday 17 November 2025, with detours in place, including via Tarragindi Road.
Vegetation Management
Some tree and vegetation removal was required to allow installation of the culvert and fencing. The project design includes replanting native vegetation selected to support local wildlife habitat, with specialist input guiding vegetation management.
Community Feedback And Next Steps
Community responses have included questions about fencing design and long-term performance. A site walk-through has been flagged to identify any gaps or defects in the fencing near the underpass, with repairs planned where needed to ensure the crossing functions as intended.
Published 15-Jan-2026
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