A new higher two-lane bridge on the Bruce Highway at Saltwater Creek has opened to traffic this week, providing a more flood-resilient route for commuters.
The new bridge forms part of broader package of flood resilience upgrades being delivered along an 11-kilometre stretch of the Bruce Highway between Maryborough and Torbanlea – including a new bridge at Deadmans Gully, which opened to traffic in June this year.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the $103 million package of works will make the highway safer and more flood resilient for motorists.
“Heavy rainfall and localised flooding during weather events can often result in highway closures along this stretch,” she said. “In 2013, the flood event caused by ex-Cyclone Oswald closed the Bruce here at Saltwater Creek for more than 30 hours.
“It’s 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.”
Catherine King, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, said she was thrilled to see the new, high-level bridge completed early.
“The bridge’s new alignment has been built to keep Queensland communities along the Bruce Highway better connected,” she said.
“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.”
Bruce Saunders, Queensland Assistant Minister for Regional Roads and Member for Maryborough said the upgrade is supporting 286 local jobs.
“Despite wet weather, crews onsite have done a tremendous job to make progress on this important flood resilience project,” he said.
“The new bridge will be welcome news for locals, having experienced flooding multiple times this year and will help keep communities connected.”
The Saltwater Creek Bridge upgrade is being delivered by Georgiou Group, which previously delivered the Bruce Highway (Tinana Interchange) project in 2017.
The project is jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland governments, contributing $82.4 million and $20.6 million respectively.
Construction on the upgrade is expected to be completed by late 2023.
For more information, visit: www.tmr.qld.gov.au
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