A three-year, $30 million project to fix a Noosa hinterland road damaged by heavy rain is less than two months from completion, as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches Australia's coastline. Black Mountain Road in the Noosa Shire was destroyed in February 2022 after what authorities called "the biggest landslide on the Sunshine Coast in 30 years". Closure of the road has created lengthy detours, health and safety concerns, ongoing vehicle repairs and loss of business for impacted residents. Cyclone Alfred could bring up to a metre of rain and heavy downfalls over several days. The forecast has residents and construction workers holding their breath. A Noosa Council spokesperson said the area of construction on Black Mountain Road was 120 metres long and 22m deep, making it longer than a rugby field and taller than seven storeys. "With most of the heavy lifting work completed, they don't expect any issues at this stage," the spokesperson said. "Construction company Hazell Brothers have control of the site and are monitoring the situation. The spokesperson said the council was hoping for a mid-to-late April completion for most of the work. "This project remains Noosa Council's largest-ever construction project," they said. Positive mindset Geoff Cook, a Black Mountain resident of 30 years, said he checked the construction site daily. He was optimistic his community would not be struck another blow by the weather. But in case there was another setback, he was confident they would recover. "We're tough, we're Queenslanders, we're resilient," Mr Cook said. "I always look on the bright side. "A friend in need is a friend indeed … that's what it is in the countryside." Despite detours through pot-holed dirt roads costing him two broken windscreens, a couple of shredded tyres and some body damage to his vehicle, Mr Cook said he was not complaining. "The infrastructure [Noosa Council] has put in place is phenomenal," he said. "At least they're fixing it. At one stage they discussed closing it altogether." Communicating progress Some residents, including Sundara Retreat owner Heidi Veraa, previously accused the council of not providing information such as timelines to completion. The council said in 2022 that it expected the works to be finished in mid-2024. Ms Veraa said the road closure changed the business model for her retreat and she struggled to see "light at the end of the tunnel". "Speaking to many of the residents, everyone is just tired," she said. Noosa Council's latest update was that pouring of capping beams over pylons had been done, and drainage would be completed next. The height of the old Black Mountain Road will also be built up to match the new one so that asphalt, line-marking and guardrails can be added. "Revegetation and slope works in nearby areas will be done," a council spokesperson said. "We will also complete temporary works on the detour route residents have been using. "The works have been a true team effort, with expertise provided by local construction businesses and support from our own council employees. "We appreciate the adjustments that partners like our emergency service providers, utilities and waste services have made to support affected residents."