A new $29.6 million bridge on the Bruce Highway will open to traffic tomorrow
August 12, 2011
A new $29.6 million bridge on the Bruce Highway in Queensland to replace the outdated existing infrastructure will open to traffic tomorrow.
Funded by the federal and Queensland governments, the project is designed to improve safety for those travelling on the highway.
“The existing bridge was 54 years old and no longer able to cope with the large volume of traffic that travels along that section of the highway daily,” Queensland Senator John Hogg says.
The new structure is 130 metres long, about seven metres higher and two metres wider than the old bridge.
“It also incorporates improved safety features such as new approaches on a better alignment, new signage and guardrails, and a smoother driving surface,” Hogg says.
Queensland Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace says the importance of the bridge was highlighted earlier this year when flooding of the Isis River cut the highway, impacting upon passenger and freight travel.
Works to remove the existing bridge will continue during the coming weeks, and speed restrictions will remain until the project is completed by next month, weather permitting.