Queenslanders over moon about new bridge

Work has started to replace the 62-year-old Three Moon Creek Bridge on the Burnett Highway, supporting close to 60 jobs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the bridge replacement would be jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under Round 3 of the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program.

“The $18 million Three Moon Creek bridge replacement project will replace the old timber bridge with a stronger, higher and wider concrete structure,” Mr McCormack said.

“During severe flooding the old, lower bridge was submerged, requiring motorists to take a detour of up to 241 kilometres around it. This is a great example of how the Bridges Renewal Program improves road safety, efficiency and reliability and also supports economic growth in regional communities.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said now more than ever, keeping work flowing on projects such as this is crucial to supporting local jobs and the region’s supply chain.  

“Twenty-two per cent of vehicles which use this stretch of the Burnett are heavy vehicles, so making sure it doesn’t flood during severe weather will be a game changer for our producers and local communities who rely on freight to keep shelves stocked,” Mr Bailey said.

“The new bridge will have significantly less ongoing maintenance requirements and will provide greater reliability for motorists.

“Works have now begun on a temporary side-track to keep motorists connected during construction, allowing them to continue to use the Burnett Highway while the new bridge is completed.”

Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said the bridge over Three Moon Creek was one of two remaining timber bridges – with another at Lochaber Creek – impacting productivity on the Burnett Highway.

“Strategically, the Australian Government took the opportunity to replace both bridges in the same round of funding and I am delighted drivers on the Burnett Highway will soon reap the results of that decision,” Mr O’Dowd said.

“We are all about working together for constructive solutions.”

The Queensland Government is investing more than $13 million to build the new bridge alongside the Australian Government’s $5 million investment.

The project is expected to be complete by late 2021, weather and construction conditions permitting.

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