Critical access across Magnetic Island's Gustav Creek is edging closer to being restored, with contractors hitting another key milestone on the 38 metre Sooning Street bridge build, signalling anticipation vehicles could be travelling across the bridge in late July.
With pile driving for bridge's foundations completed in late March, BMD has been busy removing the temporary piling pad from Gustav Creek and undertaking construction of the bridge structure, including the abutments and the central headstock that support the beams to carry the bridge's decking.
The original structure spanning across Gustav Creek was destroyed in the severe weather events beginning at the end of 2024. The project to reconstruct the bridge to modern standards is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the construction of the Sooning Street bridge demonstrated the importance of three levels of Government working together in the interest of disaster recovery.
"I know Magnetic Island residents are watching the progress of this bridge closely, and it is welcome news to hear the structure is progressing well and deck beams are being laid as we speak," Minister McBain said.
"The Albanese Government is proud to work closely with state and local governments to support regional recovery from natural disasters, while rebuilding infrastructure to withstand these kinds of events."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was delivering on its commitment to rebuild stronger, more resilient infrastructure for Queensland communities following disasters.
"This is an important milestone for the Magnetic Island community, with works progressing well on the reconstruction of the Sooning Street bridge following the devastating weather events last year," Minister Leahy said.
"Through the disaster funding, we're backing local governments to make sure our regions aren't left high and dry after natural disasters."
Mayor Nick Dametto said with the bridge's key structural works nearing completion, the the contractor was now installing 28, 18-tonne deck beams this week.
"Since the piling works were completed in late March, the structure of the bridge has really begun to take shape," Cr Dametto said.
"So far, more than 150 cubic metres of concrete has been poured on this structure and now this week will see the deck beams installed.
"Over the few days the beams are being craned into place, a temporary closure of the existing pedestrian bridge will be required, however once those beams are installed works can begin on the bridge's deck which will unlock access again for our community in the months to come."
State Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the project would deliver reliable and resilient infrastructure for Magnetic Island residents.
"This is about restoring a critical connection that locals rely on every day for work, school and community life," Mr Baillie said.
"The new bridge will ensure the Magnetic Island community has the infrastructure it needs now and for the future."
Divisional Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said despite some weather impacted delays during the pile installation, works have progressed to the stage that being able to drive over the new bridge is within sight.
"Subject to weather and material supply conditions the bridge will be open to traffic in late July, with final line marking and site clean-up going into August," Cr Greaney said.
"One of the key pieces of work on the bridge has been constructing a fishway to meet environmental requirements, which has been progressing well despite modifications in design to protect the Island's fibre optic network.
"Getting this bridge completed is a key priority of Councils and we thank the community for their patience while the works have been undertaken, alongside the Australian and Queensland Governments for funding the rebuild of the bridge entirely at just over $20 million.
"We will be working with the Magnetic Island community to determine a suitable way to mark the opening of the bridge in the months to come."
