A new dual-lane vehicle bridge over the Brisbane River will soon rise to connect Kholo and Mt Crosby in Queensland, delivered as part of the East Bank Flood Resilience Program.
The program aims to improve flood resilience as well as connectivity in the region.
The new vehicle bridge will replace the existing single-lane weir bridge which, in turn, will be converted into a pedestrian pathway.
“The new bridge will be built almost three-metres higher than the existing bridge and is designed to better withstand flooding and recover from being inundated, should the unlikely event occur.
“The dual lane will also improve the flow of traffic for the growing community and ensure that large vehicles such as truck and buses can cross safely,” Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said.
BMD Constructions has been awarded the contract to build the new bridge and major works are anticipated to commence in the coming months.
While construction on the new bridge is being carried out, work will also progress to repair and reopen the existing Mt Crosby Weir Bridge that was severely damaged last year during an extreme weather event.
“Engineering assessments have been completed to assess the damage and we are now working to repair and reopen the bridge to traffic.
“We realise this is an inconvenience for motorists who use the bridge regularly and appreciate their patience while we work to make the bridge safe for travel once again,” Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Neil Brennan said.
Once the new bridge is completed, the existing 96-year-old Mt Crosby Weir Bridge is going to be repurposed into a cycle and walkway to “improve the local amenity and retain its historical significance”.
The new dual-lane vehicle bridge is expected to be completed before the end of 2023.
Mr Brennan added: “The East Bank Flood Resilience Program will help to safeguard important assets including the Mt Crosby East Bank Water Treatment Plant. The East Bank and West Bank plants supply about 50 per cent of South East Queensland’s drinking water.”
Other projects to be delivered under the East Bank Flood Resilience Program include civil and enabling works for a new Energex substation, renovations to the historical Works Hill Residential Precinct as well as the construction of a new kindergarten.
Source: Seqwater (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia