Construction of a bridge on Queensland’s Bruce Highway, aimed at improving flood immunity, has reached a major milestone this week.
Work to place 90 deck units on the spans of the new structure over Yellow Gin creek on the highway south of Ayr, has begun.
It will take nearly four weeks to place the units on the 120-metre-long bridge. The project is expected to be completed in late 2016.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said in a statement that once completed, the new bridge would greatly improve the highway’s ability to remain open during flooding events.
“This bridge, which is expected to be completed in late 2016, will make the Bruce Highway safer and more dependable for industry, tourists and locals,” Mr. Chester said.
“Yellow Gin Creek is one of the key flood crossings the Australian Government is upgrading on the Bruce Highway to improve reliability, safety and connectivity between Cairns and Mackay.
“The Yellow Gin Creek Upgrade is part of the Australian and Queensland government’s $8.5 billion commitment over the next decade to fix the Bruce Highway.”