The $40 million construction project to replace five timber bridges on the Dawson Highway between Calliope and Biloela in Queensland has commenced, following the announcement of the successful contractor.
Local Gladstone contractors Goldings will undertake the upgrade, aimed at improving freight efficiency and flood immunity by replacing the timber structures with concrete ones.
The five timber bridges (all west of Calliope) to be replaced include: Nine Mile Creek, Catfish Creek, Sheep Station Creek, Maxwelton Creek and Doubtful Creek.
Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said the existing weight limits in place on the timber bridges had been a major inhibitor to the region’s freight operations, with some vehicles travelling hundreds of additional kilometres via Rockhampton.
“The project will replace the long-standing timber bridges which will widen the Dawson Highway at these locations, increasing safety for all road users,” Mr. Bailey said.
“The old bridges had also previously been the subject of regular closures due to flooding.
“This project will deliver flood immunity above a Q50 level – one in 50 year flood.
The $40 million project is funded through the Queensland Government State Infrastructure Plan.