A NEW two-lane bridge on the Bruce Highway near Aldershot has opened to traffic.
The Queensland Government said the bridge at Saltwater Creek would provide a more flood-resilient route for commuters.
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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey and Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders visited the site recently.
Ms Palaszczuk said the new bridge formed part of the broader flood resilience upgrades being delivered along the Bruce Highway between Maryborough and Torbanlea – including the new bridge at Deadmans Gully that opened in July.
“This $103-million package of works along an 11-kilometre stretch of the Bruce is making it safer and more flood resilient for motorists,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Heavy rainfall and localised flooding during weather events can often result in highway closures along this stretch, the Premier said.
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In 2013, the flood-event caused y ex-Cyclone Oswald closed the Bruce Highway at Saltwater Creek for more than 30 hours.
“It great to see the upgraded Saltwater Creek Bridge now open to traffic and important work continuing on upgrading the remaining four floodways, as well as nearby strengthening works on the Bruce Highway, which are expected to be completed later this year.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the bridge would help keep Queensland communities better connected.
“We’re investing in infrastructure projects like this right along the Bruce Highway that will deliver an immediate economic boost by reducing flood-related highway closures, along with long-term safety and connectivity benefits,” Ms King said.
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Mr Saunders – who also serves as Queensland Assistant Minister for Regional Roads – said the upgrade supported 286 jobs.
“Despite wet weather, crews onsite have done a tremendous job to make progress on this important flood resilience project.
“The new bridge will be welcomed news for locals, having experienced flooding multiple times this year and will help keep communities connected.”
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The package of works forms part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.
The $103-million project is jointly funded under the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, with the Australian Government contributing $82.4-million and the Queensland Government, $20.6-million.
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