Design starts on flood proofing works north of Maryborough
06 August 2019
Design has started on the $103
million Bruce Highway –
Saltwater Creek Upgrade project, north of
Maryborough.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and
Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project would improve
flood immunity on the
highway, by building new
bridges at Saltwater Creek crossing and Deadman’s Gully, and
upgrading four floodways between Maryborough and Torbanlea.
“This is a known problem section of the
Bruce Highway with poor flood
immunity, and after significant rain, experiences closures that affect
passenger and freight movements in central and northern parts of the
state,” Mr McCormack said.
“The
Australian Government has worked with the
Queensland Government to
identify priority areas, such as this one, where we can reduce the
economic and social impacts of flooding.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said once
complete, the upgrade will cut delays caused by road closures and also
improve motorist safety.
“What we’ve seen is regular flood closures on this stretch of highway
often resulting in delays anywhere between 3.6 to 19.3 hours a year,
which is why we’re taking action,” Mr Bailey said.
“We’re committed to delivering important projects like this to keep
Queenslanders and our industries connected and minimise the impact of
flooding.”
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien recalled a major road closure
that occurred in 2013 when this section of the Bruce Highway was closed
for nearly 31 hours due to flooding at Saltwater Creek Bridge.
“This project will help to ensure a road closure like that does not
happen again and will save the community a considerable amount of travel
time during the wet season,” Mr O’Brien said.
“These upgrades will help to keep communities connected and the wheels
of our economy turning even in times of flood and natural disaster.”
“Improving flood immunity is a key objective of the Australian and
Queensland government’s $12.6 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program and
projects like this strengthen our road network’s resilience.
State Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the upgrade will be
welcomed not only by motorists but also the business community, with
hundreds of jobs expected to be created.
“While more than 280 direct jobs will be supported over the life of the
project, there will also be flow on benefits for local businesses which
will boost the region’s economy,” Mr Saunders said.
“It’s great to see that improving safety is also a priority of this
upgrade, with the design to include wider road shoulders and a painted
centre median to better separate traffic, so that local and through
traffic can arrive safely at their destinations.”
The design is expected to be completed by next year.
The Australian Government has committed up to $82.4 million towards the
project and the Queensland Government has committed up to $20.6 million.
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
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