Works begin on $18M Three Moon Creek Bridge replacement

Work has started to replace the 62-year-old Three Moon Creek Bridge on the Burnett Highway in Queensland.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael McCormack said the bridge replacement would be jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland Governments under Round 3 of the Federal Government’s Bridges Renewal Program.

“The $18 million Three Moon Creek bridge replacement project will replace the old timber bridge with a stronger, higher and wider concrete structure,” he said.

“During severe flooding the old, lower bridge was submerged, requiring motorists to take a detour of up to 241 kilometres around it. This is a great example of how the Bridges Renewal Program improves road safety, efficiency and reliability and also supports economic growth in regional communities.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said now more than ever, keeping work flowing on projects such as this is crucial to supporting local jobs and the region’s supply chain.

“Twenty-two per cent of vehicles which use this stretch of the Burnett are heavy vehicles, so making sure it doesn’t flood during severe weather will be a game changer for our producers and local communities who rely on freight to keep shelves stocked,” he said.

“The new bridge will have significantly less ongoing maintenance requirements and will provide greater reliability for motorists.”

According to Mr. Bailey, works have begun on a temporary side-track to keep motorists connected during construction, allowing them to continue to use the Burnett Highway while the new bridge is completed.

Federal Flynn Member Ken O’Dowd said the bridge over Three Moon Creek was one of two remaining timber bridges – with another at Lochaber Creek – impacting productivity on the Burnett Highway.

“Strategically, the Federal Government took the opportunity to replace both bridges in the same round of funding and I am delighted drivers on the Burnett Highway will soon reap the results of that decision,” he said.

The Queensland Government is investing more than $13 million to build the new bridge alongside the Federal Government’s $5 million investment.

The project is expected to be complete by late 2021, weather and construction conditions permitting.

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