With a $28 million investment from the Queensland Government, 18 rail bridges on the West Moreton rail network – between Ipswich and Chinchilla – will be given a much needed upgrade.

According to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, these upgrades will be focusing on improving safety and reliability of the bridges. The Minister added that the project will support up to 200 jobs, and the contract to deliver the works has been awarded to local contractor, Moggill Construction.

“The West Moreton system is a critical link for rail services from Brisbane to the west and south west communities of the state and is a major artery to the Darling Downs, which is predominantly used to transport thermal coal and grains.

“This project will kick off in March and will include replacing 18 timber rail bridges with stronger, more durable steel girders, to improve the reliability of the West Moreton rail line and also significantly reduce the time spent on maintenance,” Mr Bailey said.

Location of the bridges included in this upgrade project are:

• 5 kilometres North East of Dalby
• 9 kilometres North West of Toowoomba
• 28 kilometres South East of Chinchilla (approx. 7 kilometres North west of Warra)
• 10 kilometres South East of Laidley
• 2 kilometres West of Forest Hill
• 4 kilometres South East of Helidon
• 1 kilometre South East of Helidon (three bridges)
• 2 kilometres South East of Murphys Creek
• 5 kilometres East of Murphys Creek
• 5 kilometres South West of Rosewood
• 5 kilometres South West of Rosewood
• Grandchester
• Laidley
• 1 kilometre South East of Grandchester
• 5 kilometres North West of Laidley
• 5 kilometres South East of Warra

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said that this project is an example of the State Government’s support for regional communities.

“Queensland company Moggill Construction will source building material and plant hire from local suppliers whenever possible.

“We remain committed to utilising local suppliers and local commercial operators whenever possible to boost jobs within the regions,” Mr Madden said.

Works on upgrading the 18 bridges are expected to be completed by 2020.

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Source: Queesnland Government