Replacement surgery for Hospital Bridge.

Work will start soon to replace Mackay’s Hospital Bridge, which had been closed to traffic last week because of flooding.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said a $24 million project to upgrade Lagoon Street and build a new bridge will begin next week.

"Long before recent flooding forced the closure of Hospital Bridge, the old low level timber crossing, built in 1935, was identified as ‘priority number one’ for replacement under the Mackay Area Integrated Transport Plan”

Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister, and Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin, said: “HospitalBridge is a vital link between the suburbs north of the river and the Paget industrial area to the south, as well as an alternative river crossing during peak traffic times.”

"The new bridge will not only be less prone to flooding but will reduce traffic in front of the hospital to give patients a quieter environment, and improve ambulance access.”

Lagoon Street’s upgrade includes the construction of two 3.5 metre wide traffic lanes, 1.5 metre wide bike lanes, pedestrian crossing points and improved drainage.

The Hospital Bridge replacement is the first of four major road projects planned over the next few years, among them, the duplication of Forgan Bridge, the Mackay-Bucasia Road duplication and the construction of the Joint Levee Road.

Work on the Lagoon Street upgrade will finish in mid 2007 with work on Hospital Bridge expected to commence shortly after.

Completion is expected by Christmas 2008.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1947