$170m Yeppen floodplains project commissioned

Queensland is all too familiar with the impact of Summer storms on infrastructure and aware of the inconveniences which may result. The commissioning of this $170 million road project is aimed at reducing this inconvenience and eliminating the chances of road flooding. The Bruce highway is prone to being cut off by severe weather in the Yeppen Floodplain. This results in an inconvenience to motorists and negatively impacts the economy due to interrupting industry transportation. 

Cost: $170 million, with $136 million contributed by the Australian Government and $34 million by the Queensland Government. 

Location: Rockhampton's Southern outskirts 

Economic contribution: Boost for the local and broader Queensland economy with an average of 200 jobs supported over the life of the project. 

Scope of works: 

• 2.1 kilometers of new bridges
• Major intersection upgrades

Who's involved: 

• Queensland Department of Transport
• AECOM - overseeing site operations 
• John Holland - contractor 

The significant component to this project is the construction of a 1.6 kilometer bridge across the floodplain, being the longest bridge along the Bruce Highway. During natural disasters the Yeppen Floodplane has cut off traffic flow on the Bruce Highway. In 2012 millions of dollars were lost through reduced tourism and industry productivity, all due to the inability to use the highway. This new bridge will assure access to the south of Rockhampton in all flooding scenarios. 

Projects like this have an impact on the lives of many and will effect the health of the economy. Being part of such significant developments is an opportunity to showcase your business' capabilities and help connect you with others in the industry, which could help win you work down the track. Delivering on a project like this is great for your business' reputation and therefore you should put your hand up where possible. To help you get involved in projects like these we've compiled an eBook with tips to increase your chances of winning work.