New works secure REX future

A new plan to deliver much needed maintenance for Brisbane’s Riverside Expressway will reduce disruptions in the coming years. 

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said a review of the trial lifts conducted over the past two years, along with community feedback, had led to a new works program that would reduce the number of closures while still delivering the essential work.

“We’ve now independently reviewed the trial program to replace pot bearings on the columns which support the 28 spans of the Expressway,” Mr Emerson said.

“The Australian Road Research Board believes we can get the same result with less closures, which is a great outcome for the Brisbane drivers.

“A series of small lifts will allow us to inspect, maintain or replace the bearings where required. 

“We promised at the election to deliver better planning and infrastructure and this review delivers on that commitment.

“Labor ignored the report that recommended the maintenance for too long and we are now getting on with delivering a solution."

The works, which trialled a span near the Margaret St off ramp, would have required the Expressway to be completely closed to traffic across dozens of weekends over several years to replace several of the old pot bearings with new 60kg stainless steel pot bearings. 

Mr Emerson said a pot bearing supported the weight of the decks on the 40-year-old bridge and allowed movement in response to changing temperatures and different loads.

“We’ve listened to the community and CBD businesses that said this level of disruption was unacceptable,” Mr Emerson said.

A short-term routine maintenance will be carried out with only occasional overnight lane closures in off-peak periods.

Medium and long term maintenance programs are expected to limit the number of closures.

Full details on the program will be available in the coming months. 

For up-to-date information on road closures and traffic conditions across Queensland, visit www.131940.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.

Media contact: Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637