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QLD bridge replacement completed months early

Two bridges have been completed months ahead of schedule as part of the $28 million Vines Creek Bridge replacement project in Queensland.

Two bridges have been completed months ahead of schedule as part of the $28 million Vines Creek Bridge replacement project in Queensland.Two bridges have been completed months ahead of schedule as part of the $28 million Vines Creek Bridge replacement project in Queensland.

The project was originally expected to be completed by March 2019, with both bridges now open to the public.

QLD Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said project is a massive win for the North Queensland transport network, improving efficiency, capacity, and heavy vehicle access to the Port of Mackay.

“Being the only port access for heavy vehicles, these bridges are an important asset for Mackay and the Bowen Basin,” Ms Gilbert said.

“As we saw with the opening of the first bridge earlier this year, the extension of the Higher Mass Limit route from the Bruce Highway to Mackay Port improves transport efficiency for heavy vehicle operators and related industries.

“Completing this project will support other infrastructure upgrades around the region, including Mackay Ring Road Stage One, currently under construction and the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade, due to start next year,” she said.

QLD Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the project was brought forward under the state government’s Accelerated Works Program (AWP).

“This project has made great progress since works started in May last year, with the first bridge opening to single lane each way in February, and the second bridge following suit in August,” Mr Bailey said.

“By continually reaching milestones and targets sooner than expected, the project has exceeded even the fast-tracked timeframes implemented under the AWP.

“After practical completion was reached in November, the replacement permanent water main is now being connected, and some extra footpath works will be finalised, which will require the bridges to remain single lane until early December,” he said.


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