Bridges replacement underway on $70m Peak Downs Highway project

Work has commenced on the $70 million Peak Downs Highway project which aims to upgrade four timber bridges in order to improve safety and efficiency for local residents as well as freight operators. Seymour Whyte was chosen back in July 2016 as the preferred contractor for this project.

According to Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester, the new bridges will be able to help improve the productivity in the Bowen and Galilee Basins’ mining operations, which supports local job security and economic stability.

“This project will address limitations in the region’s freight transport network, improve safety and flood resilience, and support local businesses and industries by creating better connectivity in regional areas,” Minister Chester said.

The timber bridges at Fiery, Lonely, Boundary and Cut creeks will be replaced with concrete structures as said by Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey.

“The new bridges will improve the safety, capacity and reliability of the Peak Downs Highway, particularly for the heavy vehicle and freight industries.

“The new concrete bridges will be over 10 metres wide, improving safety for the large number of over-sized vehicles using the Peak Downs Highway,” Minister Bailey said.

Peak Downs Highway during a flooding incident (source: Daily Mercury)

According to Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, the Australian Government has committed at least $35 million for this project under the Bridges Renewal Programme. Ms Landry also said that this is the largest investment for an individual package of works under the programme and that this investment is going to be put to good use by replacing the four deteriorating bridges.

“The Government is investing in upgrades for our nation’s deteriorating bridges to improve productivity, safety and community access and this multimillion dollar package demonstrates our commitment to improving infrastructure in regional Queensland.

“This is a massive investment in our region which is not only a win for those looking for jobs, but will also be a business boost for the mining industry as it will improve heavy vehicle and freight movements,” Ms Landry said.

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on a 50:50 basis. Up to 114 direct jobs will be supported for the entire duration of the project and completion is expected to be late 2018, weather permitting.

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Source: Queensland Government