The Infrastructure Group joint venture – between Bielby, BMD Constructions, JF Hull and Albem Pty Ltd with ARUP Group and HDR Inc – has been awarded the design and construction contract for the $514.3 million Haughton River Floodplain Upgrade, which is part of the Bruce Highway package of works.
This multi-million dollar project will involve upgrading 13.5 kilometres of highway which will include realigning the Reed Beds curve as well as construction of a new Haughton River Bridge and other wider, higher bridges.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack added: “The project also includes upgrading nine rural intersections, building two cane-rail overpasses and installing wide centrelines on the highway north of Ayr.”
“The works will improve the safety and reliability of this section of the highway for residents of Townsville, regional visitors and road freight operators servicing the tourism and other industries in the region,” Mr McCormack said.
According to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey, the new bridge over Haughton River is going to be over 10 metres wide and will be built to withstand a one-in-100-year flood – similar to the one caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Nora in parts of Far North Queensland.
“That is a significant improvement on the current bridge which is about seven metres wide and is regularly closed for extended periods due to flooding.
“An average of 544 direct jobs will be supported over the life of the project and contractors have been asked to demonstrate their commitment to engaging local employees and businesses,” Mr Bailey added.
Construction on this project is expected to commence in August 2018 and completed in mid-2021.
The Haughton River Floodplain Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, with each contributing $411.4 million and $102.9 million respectively.
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Source: Queensland Government (1, 2), Industry Queensland