Speed restrictions to end soon with Bremer River Bridge upgrade underway

Major works are underway to restore traffic flow on a critical Warrego Highway crossing, after restrictions were imposed in 2023.
This is the solution locals have been waiting for and will be delivered without creating unnecessary delays for commuters.
Project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with works expected to continue through 2026, weather permitting.

The path to lifting speed restrictions on the Warrego Highway’s Bremer River Bridge is now clearer, with a rehabilitation plan revealed and major works underway.

Strengthening works have begun on the westbound bridge, moving the community closer to the return of normal traffic conditions on one of southeast Queensland’s busiest road links.

For the first time, locals can see the design for the long-term targeted rehabilitation, which strengthens the structure and restores its full functionality.

The design also avoids the prolonged traffic disruption of more invasive rebuild options by completing works from underneath.

Once complete, the works will remove current speed restrictions in both directions, extend the life of the bridge by decades, and keep freight and commuters moving along the Warrego Highway.

The design follows detailed investigations carried out after restrictions were imposed in 2023, with the final solution balancing safety, durability and traffic flow.

The original plan to redeck the whole bridge would have closed the bridge for up to six months and caused significant delays for commuters.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with works expected to continue through 2026, weather permitting.

For more information and to see the concept design, visit: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/BremerRiverBridge.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said there was now a solid plan and a positive way forward to repair the Bremer River Bridge.

“The necessary work has been done and it’s good news for the local community that there is now a solid plan and a positive way forward to repair the Bremer River Bridge," Minister King said.

“This bridge is a vital artery for the region and the national freight network, with about 32,000 vehicles crossing the Bremer River westbound bridge every day.

“This bridge is vital for tens of thousands of commuters who I’m sure will be relieved to see speed restrictions removed once the works are complete.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the community has been clear they want traffic flowing again.

“The community has been clear they want traffic flowing again, and this is how we make that happen," Minister Mickelberg said.

“We have landed the right solution to fix Bremer River Bridge, after speed limits were imposed almost three years ago.

“The plan we are now delivering is sensible and pragmatic.

“It will fix the problem without causing unnecessary delays for commuters, respects taxpayers’ money, lifts speed restrictions and delivers decades more life from this bridge.”

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said this was good news for commuters and other motorists in my electorate of Blair.

“The Bremer River Bridge is a vital connection along the Warrego Highway, so this is good news for commuters and other motorists in my electorate of Blair," Mr Neumann said.

“Moving ahead with this upgrade and removing speed restrictions will ensure local residents spend less time on the road, and can get to work and home sooner.

“It will also help the many heavy vehicles transporting freight across the Bremer River westbound bridge to get supplies to markets along the eastern seaboard.

“The Australian and Queensland governments secured the funding for this project back in 2024, and I am pleased that we now have a clear plan in place to fast-track the repairs and minimise disruptions to motorists so we can get traffic flowing again.”

Assistant Minister to the Premier for Cabinet and South West Queensland Trevor Watts said the Bremer River Bridge was an essential link for locals and freight moving between Toowoomba and Brisbane.

"The original plan for redecking would have seen the bridge close for up to six months and would have been totally unworkable for our community," Mr Watts said.

"The new plan to fix the Bremer River Bridge, without closing it, is a sensible and pragmatic way to boost productivity by keeping people and produce moving between the Darling Downs and Brisbane, while delivering the infrastructure Queensland needs."

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS:

MINISTER KING – KALLISTA KAVAL 0474 048 152

MINISTER MICKELBERG – BRENDAN MORRIS 0428 962 414