Opportunities for local businesses are set to open with a recent $46 million investment from the Queensland Government to replace 18 timber rail bridges between Townsville and Cairns.
This project will significantly improve the longevity and safety on the North Coast line. The upgrade is also expected to support up to 120 jobs for the local construction industry.
According to Minister for Transport Mark Bailey, this upgrade project is a welcome boost to the North Queensland construction industry and opportunities to tender for the work packages are set to open soon.
“The three tender packages will be grouped according to the height of the bridges and the complexity of the replacement works.
“Following the release of the tenders this month, we anticipate that the works will commence in September this year, and be progressively completed until late 2020,” Mr Bailey said.
Queensland Rail Chief Executive Officer Nick Easy said that the timber bridges located south of Cardwell to El Arish are going to be replaced with concrete and steel structures.
“The elimination of these old timber bridges from the North Coast line will significantly improve the reliability of the line, and reduce required maintenance.
“The timber bridges currently require a high level of maintenance, due to the landscape of the area which is often subject to conditions such as flooding, alongside large outlays associated with the maintenance works and timber sourcing,” Mr Easy said.
Mr Easy added that the upgrade is going to be a cost-effective, long-term solution for the North Coast line and it will also improve the overall reliability and safety of the region’s rail network.
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Source: Queensland Government