Barron River bridge at Kuranda reopens to two lanes

• The Barron River bridge has now returned to two-lane operation
• Detailed investigations and testing have confirmed the bridge is safe for two lanes of traffic.
• Planning for the preferred long-term solution to the bridge will be completed in December 2024.

Following detailed investigations by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), the Barron River Bridge will re-open to two lanes with a 42.5 tonne load limit from 12pm, Friday the 20^th of September.

As a precaution, the bridge was shut earlier this year after inspections in May 2024 identified previously unidentified issues with the Macalloy bars, which were installed in 1963.

The Macalloy post-tensioning bars were retrofitted to provide extra strength after the bridge opened to traffic earlier that year.

TMR implemented a single lane operation of the bridge to ensure safety for the crew and road users while further investigations and work to protect the Macalloy bars were carried out.

TMR has applied a protective wrap to the affected areas of the Macalloy bars.

Investigations on the bridge and laboratory tests have confirmed that the Macalloy bars may remain in place until a long-term solution is implemented.  

The Miles Labor Government has committed $450 million to construct a new Barron River Bridge if re-elected.  

An inspection regime will continue to monitor corrosion until completion of a long-term solution.

TMR will also be closely monitoring vehicle weight to ensure compliance with 42.5 tonne load limit requirements.

Scheduled testing and maintenance works - that are part of an ongoing detailed inspection and monitoring program - will be carried out from 4 November to 29 November 2024.

During these works, a lane closure is required for the safety of the work crew and road users between 7am and 5 pm, reducing access to the bridge to one lane.  

A planning study that will determine the preferred long-term solution for the bridge is on track for completion in December 2024.

Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2024-25 to 2027-28 includes $15 million towards preconstruction including a reference design.

Quotes attributable to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish:

“Safety is our number one priority and we needed to be absolutely sure that it is safe to reopen the bridge to two lanes.

“We are doing everything we can to keep the bridge in service until construction of a new bridge is completed.

“A re-elected Miles Labor Government will commit $450 million to build a new Barron River Bridge.

“I understand the single-lane operation affects road users and I’d like to thank the community and the freight industry for their continued patience while we carry out necessary testing and maintenance works.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Barron River, Craig Crawford

“I would like to acknowledge the frustration of motorists and thank everyone for their patience.  I know this has been challenging for many people.

“These decisions are made by structural engineers with safety always at the forefront.

“The Miles Labor Government has $450 million on the table to build a new bridge if re-elected.

“Our focus now is to ensure the current bridge can run at capacity, to ensure the community can get where they need to go safely.”

Images can be found here images in this Owncloud link.  Password: Bridge1

ENDS

Media contact:  Minister Mellish Media – 0419 288 284