Building a stronger, flood-resilient connection for the Scenic Rim

• The Crisafulli Government has begun design work to build a single two-lane concrete bridge on Mount Alford Road at Harpers Crossing.
• The new bridge will replace the two ageing timber bridges, delivering safer, more reliable access and help keep Scenic Rim communities connected when severe weather strikes.
• Since 2022, floodwaters have overtopped the existing bridges nine times, closing the road for periods ranging from half a day to three days.
• The Crisafulli Government is building Queensland's future and getting motorists home sooner and safer after a decade of decline under Labor. 

The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering a long-term solution to improve safety and flood resilience at Harper’s Crossing, about 4.5 kilometres south-west of Boonah on Mount Alford Road. 

Design work is now underway to replace the ageing timber bridges across Teviot Brook and Oaky Creek with a single concrete structure designed to improve road safety, flood resilience and reduce disruptions. 

During their decade of decline, the former Labor Government left regional communities waiting for infrastructure to improve road safety and resilience to Queensland’s severe weather.  

The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of planning and delivering stronger regional connections, helping communities remain connected and getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer. 

Locals have been calling for improved infrastructure at Harper's Crossing, with floodwaters overtopping the existing bridges on nine occasions since 2022, forcing Mount Alford Road to close for periods of up to three days, disrupting access for residents, businesses and other road users. 

A design tender has now been released and early investigative works to inform the detailed design of the project commenced last month. Funding is secured for construction through the Bridge Upgrade Program, with construction planned for the 2028-29 financial year. 

Once delivered, the new concrete bridge will provide a stronger and more reliable connection for the residents, businesses and visitors who depend on Mount Alford Road, while reducing the impact of future flooding. 

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said this marked an important step towards delivering a stronger and more resilient connection for the Scenic Rim. 

"When this crossing goes under, locals can lose an important connection for hours or even days, and this community deserves better," Minister Mickelberg said. 

"Labor sat on their hands and refused to provide better transport infrastructure in the Scenic Rim to stop communities from being cut off in severe weather. 

"The Crisafulli Government is investing in regional Queensland and getting on with the job of delivering stronger infrastructure that communities can rely on, not just today, but for decades to come." 

Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause said the project would deliver a lasting improvement for locals. 

"People who live and work around Boonah and Mount Alford know all too well the issues of Harper’s Crossing, especially at times of day when visibility may be reduced and in times of flooding," Mr Krause said. 

"A new concrete bridge will mean a stronger and more dependable connection for local families, farmers, businesses and visitors, particularly when the weather turns against us." 

“I’ve been advocating for a safer, more reliable Harpers Crossing for the Scenic Rim community since I was first elected, and I’m pleased to see this important project progressing.”