The $515 million Haughton River Floodplain Upgrade on the Bruce Highway – approximately 50 kilometres from Townsville – takes another step towards construction with the announcement of two shortlisted tenderers to deliver the project.
“This project will address one of the worst flood-prone areas in the Bruce Highway, and in recognition of the urgent need to fix the problem, we are bringing the start of works forward nine months ahead of schedule to mid 2018,” Federal minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said.
The two shortlisted tenderers are:
“The shortlisted companies were selected after a thorough evaluation process, with particular focus placed on their plans for engaging local businesses and employees.
“Local businesses now have the opportunity to get involved in one of the largest projects the region has seen and I encourage them to contact the two shortlisted companies,” said QLD Minister for main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey.
Mr Bailey added that the two shortlisted contractors are in the process of preparing design and construction tenders for the project, with construction expected to begin in August 2018.
According to Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen, this upgrade project will greatly improve safety as well as the year-round dependability of the highway.
“The works will replace the narrow Haughton River Bridge with a higher, wider bridge and upgrade about 12 kilometres of the highway where it crosses the floodplain between Ayr and Townsville. The new bridge will allow the Bruce Highway to remain open in all but the most severe floods, ensuring communities are not left stranded during extreme weather events,” Mr Christensen said.
The contract for the project is expected to be awarded in early 2018 and construction to commence in mid-2018, weather permitting. The Haughton River Floodplain Upgrade project is expected to be completed by mid-2021.
Source: Queensland Government