Driving a drier highway at Tully.

Bridge builders have begun driving piles into the Tully River bed as work continues on a $128 million flood upgrade of the Bruce Highway in Far North Queensland.

Australian Government Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, Jim Lloyd, and Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said the piling milestone demonstrates progress is being made on addressing a notorious flood trouble spot.

“A grand total of 82 piles will be driven into the Tully River’s bed and banks,” Mr Lloyd said.

“They’ll form the backbone supports for the new 175 metre long bridge, which is designed to be a full metre higher than the existing Tully River crossing.

"The approaches to the bridge, which are proven to be more susceptible to flooding, will be 1.5 metres higher than the existing highway.

“With piling work underway, motorists will also notice a steel structure stretching out across the river.

“It’s only temporary but plays a key part in building the bridge piers.

“This is an important project for Far North Queensland - it will reduce the frequency and length of future road closures due to flooding.

“The construction activity at Tully is fully funded by the Australian Government and clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government work together on a common goal,” Mr Lloyd said.

Mr Lucas said within three months work would begin on the bridge columns and the beginnings of the bridge deck.

“Workers have been on site at Tully for three months now, but with pile driving underway it shows we’re entering the business phase of the project.

“There is extensive activity along most of the 15.5 kilometre upgrade route with culvert work near Corduroy Creek.

“Early work is underway for a new bridge over Corduroy Creek and an overpass for cane trains near Dallachy Road.

“New bridges are also planned at Lagoon Creek and Murray River and overflow bridges near Lagoon Creek and Tully River.

“In all there are 700 metres of bridge and 55 major culverts to build with most of the bridge piling to be finished before Christmas – ahead of the wet season.

“The Tully Alliance - BMD Major Projects, Albem Operations, Maunsell AECOM and Main Roads - is on track to finish the job by the end of 2009, as agreed with the Federal Government.

“I want to thank the Federal Government for funding the upgrade of this crucial section of the Bruce Highway – it’s important to local and national economy,” Mr Lucas said.

“The Australian and Queensland Governments continue to deliver on the $220 million federally funded Bruce Highway flood and safety upgrade package.

“Completed so far are two sets of traffic lights at Innisfail, four intersection upgrades between Townsville and Tully, and new road surfaces between Tully and Cairns.

"That’s on top of extensive planning and design work on the Mulgrave River bridge and major flood immunity projects north and south of Ingham," he said.

Media Contact: Jim Lloyd’s office - James Larsson, 0434 305130.

Paul Lucas’ office - Darren Roberts, 0448 184566.