Works to get underway to build better bridges in QLD Toowoomba region

Local communities can look forward to better flood resilience and improved traffic flow on local roads as works are set to ramp on bridge upgrades around Queensland’s Toowoomba region. 

Construction on an $11 million project that will replace the existing Rocky Creek Bridge that was built in 1928 is set to commence in August of this year. This project is just one of the several that are being delivered as part of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan. 

“The new bridge will have two lanes to improve safety, flood resilience and traffic flow by removing the need for westbound traffic to stop and give way. 

“The approaches to the bridge will also be realigned to improve sight distances for traffic. 

“The bridge work is expected to ramp up from late August/early September, just as works on the Murphy’s Creek Road and Brookside Place intersection come to an end,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

Murphy’s Creek Road is a known alternative route for trucks between Toowoomba Connection Road and the New England Highway whenever the Toowoomba Range is closed. 

The Murphy’s Creek Road and Brookside Place intersection at Postmans Ridge was recently upgraded to boost capacity and improve safety as well as increase road freight access and productivity. 

“The intersection upgrade at Murphy’s Creek Road and Brookside Place has improved safety and congestion, so the Rocky Creek bridge replacement will remove another bottle neck for locals,” Minister Bailey said. 

The new Rocky Creek Bridge is expected to open to traffic in mid-2022. 

During its construction, minimal disruptions will be observed as the new bridge is going to be built beside the existing bridge – which will be decomissioned once the new bridge is completed. 

According to Assistant Regional Roads Minister Bruce Saunders, communities in Toowoomba’s south can also expect upgrades to be undertaken on local roads as well. 

“The Palaszczuk Government has committed $2.6 million to repair and re-seal sections of Clifton Leyburn Road over the next two years. 

“The works will cover the entire stretch of the road, from the Clifton township to the Toowoomba-Karara Road intersection,” Mr Saunders said. 

Planning is also underway to upgrade the Gore Highway between Millmerran and Goondiwindi to improve flood resilience. This follows a flood study that estimated the Gore Highway between Westbrook and the Leichhardt Highway is closed for about 56 hours a year. 

The southern-most crossing of Wyaga Creek at Kilbronae is the largest contributor to closures when it is flooded, with this crossing closed for an average 44 hours annually. 

“When the road is closed, it slows down critical transport and industry, so we want to safeguard it in the future to keep driving our economy, and the region’s businesses. 

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to keeping our economy moving and driving Queensland’s economic recovery from COVID-19. 

“We’re doing this through the Palaszczuk Government’s record $27.5 billion, four-year roads and transport investment plan to support 24,000 jobs,” Mr Saunders said. 

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is currently undertaking hydraulic assessments of Wyaga Creek which will help inform the design for a new crossing. 

“From these studies, it is predicted a new bridge will reduce the average road closure at Kilbronae from 44 hours to 30 minutes per year. 

“Completing detailed project designs will give us an idea on what level of funding will be required for future works,” Mr Saunders said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads (1, 2, 3)