Construction of Mackay’s $28 million Vines Creek Bridges project has been fast tracked by six months and the contract to deliver the project has been awarded to Queensland Bridge and Civil Construction.
“We have brought forward the delivery of $43.15 million worth of new infrastructure in the Mackay area, which means work on the Vines Creek Bridges replacement is beginning six months ahead of schedule,” said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said that the project, funded by the State Government, will include replacing two double-lane bridges on Harbour Road – Mackay-Slade Point Road – in Mackay.
“The project will deliver two new bridges and approaches, flood improvements with the coinciding completion of Mackay Regional Council’s levee wall, and a dedicated shared path for cyclists and pedestrians.
“Early works are beginning this week and major construction will begin in May,” Mr Bailey said.
According to Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, an average of 42 direct jobs will be supported over the life of the project.
“As part of the current Accelerated Works Program, we’ve implemented additional requirements over and above the current guidelines to help enhance training and local content opportunities.
“The successful contractor, Queensland Bridges and Civil Construction, is required to provide 50 per cent more training hours and must meet a more detailed Local Industry Plan, engaging with local subcontractors and suppliers – this is good news for Mackay industry,” Ms Gilbert said.
Ms Gilbert added that the project will greatly benefit the heavy vehicle industry by improving Mackay’s transport network freight capacity. She also stated that the project will deliver a more reliable and efficient link for heavy vehicles as well as support the transport of commodities – including fuel, sugar, mining equipment and grain.
“With construction of the new bridges coinciding with work starting on Stage 1 of the massive $560 million Mackay Ring Road, the project will improve connectivity between Mackay and the Bowen Basin, and ensure the region is prepared for future growth,” Ms Gilbert said.
Weather permitting, the Vines Creek Bridges project is expected to be completed in March 2019.
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Source: Queensland Government