Bill Fulton Bridge nears completion

The last of the concrete will be poured this week as construction of the new Bill Fulton Bridge nears completion.

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey and Member for Barron River Craig Crawford welcomed the progress of the $34.2 million project on Cairns Western Arterial Road.

“This is an incredible project, that will benefit so many motorists in Cairns once complete,” Mr Bailey said.

“With the bridge structure soon complete, crews will turn their attention to pavement works on the bridge approaches and Brinsmead Road intersection,” Mr Bailey said.

“Locals have been calling for this upgrade for many years and I congratulate Craig Crawford for making it a reality, I’m sure they will all be as pleased I am that it is now just months away from completion.”

Mr Crawford said this had been a significant project for the region, supporting around 97 direct jobs over the life of the project and boosting the local economy.

“I know large-scale infrastructure projects like this can be an inconvenience and I thank people for their patience while we get this project over the line,” he said.

“When complete in just a few months time, this project will remove a well-known pinch point on Cairns Western Arterial Road and improve safety and traffic flow.

“The route will also be more reliable with a high level of flood immunity, improving efficiency of general and heavy freight services between Cairns and the northern beaches.”

Quick facts:

-          230m3 of concrete has been placed on site to complete the bridge structure

-          216 bolts have been installed for holding the decks in place

-          35 tonnes of reinforcement have been installed with the concrete on site

-          These works are to bring together the 82 piles and 108 deck units into the recognisable and soon trafficable bridge structure

The duplication of Bill Fulton Bridge is funded by the Palaszczuk Government’s $180 million Significant Regional Infrastructure Projects Program within the State Infrastructure Fund.

ENDS

Media contact: Dominic Geiger - 0447355565

Office of Craig Crawford - 07 4229 0100