Toowoomba Regional Council's (TRC) Branchview Road Bridge is expected to be open to road users by December, weather permitting, with the new bridge structure nearing completion.
TRC have replaced the old timber bridge, which had reached the end of its service life, with a new two-lane concrete bridge improving road alignment approaches.
Since starting construction in March, the project team has made significant progress having completed the earthworks and the bridge's substructure.
The latest milestone, which finished in late August, was placing the pre-cast concrete bridge deck units. These units are ready made beams which sit on top of the bridge substructure and support the trafficable surface of the bridge, which will soon be asphalted.
TRC Construction and Maintenance (Infrastructure Services) portfolio spokesperson Cr Carol Taylor said this upgrade would significantly improve the safety of the bridge.
"The Branchview Road Bridge is a key piece of infrastructure in our Region, supporting the local agricultural industry around the north branch of the Condamine River," Cr Taylor said.
"It is a critical route for transporting agricultural produce to the Port of Brisbane and the Region."
"The replacement and upgrade ensure it continues to meet current safety standards and future capacity."
"We have upgraded the previous single-lane bridge, with a new two-lane bridge and straightened the road alignment by constructing the new bridge 50 metres south of the previous crossing."
Once the bridge is open to traffic, TRC will demolish the old timber bridge.
TRC received Australian Government funding under the Safer Local Roads & Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) to help deliver this project.
"We are very grateful to the Australian Government for their contribution of $3.8 million in funding, which is equivalent to approximately 80 per cent of the total project cost."
The total project cost is estimated to be approximately $4.8 million.
Cr Taylor thanked the Branchview and surrounding communities for their ongoing patience whilst TRC completes this key infrastructure project.
Photo caption: A photograph of the pre-cast concrete bridge deck units being lowered into place, marking the project's latest milestone.
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