A major pain-point in the Cloncurry road network is resolved with the opening of the new Coppermine Creek Bridge, providing a safer passage about town for motorists and pedestrians alike.
The $8.53 million dual-lane bridge was co-funded thanks to an Albanese Government contribution of $5 million from the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, with the Cloncurry Shire Council providing the remaining $3.53 million.
The new Coppermine Creek Bridge replaces the ageing single-lane bridge, in operation since the 1940s.
The old Coppermine Creek Bridge caused ongoing bottlenecks in the town's roads, was becoming costly to maintain, and had no dedicated walkway for the many pedestrians travelling into town.
The new bridge now hosts a dedicated pedestrian pathway, allowing safe passage for locals and many students who walk to and from their schools in the town centre.
Built to withstand another 100 years, and significantly increasing the load-limit previously available, it also creates a quicker and safer link between town and the south-side for emergency services, freight transport and school buses.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm:
"The new Coppermine Creek Bridge's opening is a massive sigh of relief for the Cloncurry community, and we're proud to have worked with the Shire Council to have made it happen.
"The former bridge, a single lane structure with a lower load limit, regularly saw local freight and heavier vehicles take a detour of over 5 kilometres to reach the other side of town barely 100 metres away.
"It's going to boost productivity, encourage walking and cycling amongst town, and, most of all, become a safer experience for locals."
Quotes attributable to Cloncurry Shire Mayor Greg Campbell:
"One of the great privileges of being Mayor is welcoming distinguished guests to our shire.
"Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm knows our community well, and it is a pleasure to host him at Meeting of the Mines and to join him in officially opening the new Coppermine Creek Bridge.
"This important project was made possible through the Australian Government's Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, and we are grateful for that support.
"I look forward to many more successful projects delivered in partnership with Senator Chisholm and the Albanese Government."
