The Paradise Dam Improvement Project in Queensland marks another milestone as enabling works continue to be carried out.
A $13 million contract has been awarded for critical road improvements on eight intersections on the road leading to the dam.
“The Miles Government is committed to delivering the Paradise Dam Improvement Project and we’re getting on with the job with these important road upgrades.
“This work is necessary to support the increased vehicle movements expected around the dam during the construction of the new wall.
“Not only are we delivering infrastructure that provides long-term water security for the region, but we’re also providing better and safer roads for locals in the process,” QLD Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said.
This is the second of three road upgrades delivered as part of the Paradise Dam project, and these works will improve safety and provide better traffic movements to and from the dam.
Hazell Brothers has been appointed to undertake the road upgrade, which will support up to 30 jobs including suppliers and workers from the Bundaberg and Burnett region.
The second package of road upgrades will involve improvements to major intersections at Booyal Dallarnil Road and the Bruce Highway, and Dallarnil Road and Paradise Dam Road. Works will begin next month, and it will include lengthening turning lanes, improved truck turning paths, updating signage and improving sight distance to make entering and exiting these roads safer.
In addition, minor intersections will be upgraded at Gooroolba Biggenden Road, Emu Creek Road, Seccombes Road and Coringa Road intersection as well as Muan Road, Coringa Road and Gooroolba Biggenden Road at Degilbo.
The intersection upgrades are expected to be completed by April 2025, weather permitting.
“It’s great to see this project continuing to create jobs that benefit Bundaberg and the local workforce.
“This work will ensure our local roads can support the safety of vehicles and workers travelling to the dam site.
“The improved intersections will not only allow for long and heavy vehicle haulage during construction but leave a positive legacy for local motorists for years to come,” Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said.
Earlier this year, works commenced to upgrade a 10-kilometre section of Paradise Dam Road and CMC Group is carrying out its delivery.
The contract for the third road upgrade package is due to be awarded later this year. This package of works will include replacing a low-level crossing with a bridge at Degilbo Creek to improve flood resilience.
Following intensive testing on the existing dam wall, Sunwater has proposed the construction of an entirely new Paradise Dam wall as a result of the identification of three unexpected issues that affects the long-term strength and quality of the wall concrete.
Geotechnical investigations on the new Paradise Dam wall project are continuing, with planning and design works well underway.
“At Sunwater, safety is our biggest priority, so it’s essential the roads around the dam support the safe movement of large volumes of heavy vehicles and equipment needed at the dam site.
“This work will provide long-term improvements that will support the community’s safety as they travel to where they live and work.
“Sunwater is committed to ongoing engagement with the community to ensure transparency as we plan for the new Paradise Dam wall.
“We are inviting the community to speak to our team at one of our upcoming information sessions to find out more about these road upgrades.
“There may be some traffic impacts during construction, and I thank the community for their patience while this important work is underway,” Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Sunwater (1, 2, 3)