Warwick’s McEvoy Street bridges open to traffic

The new concrete bridges over Bracker and Rosenthal Creeks on Warwick's McEvoy Street will open to traffic on Monday afternoon (22 October).

Minister for Main Road Warren Pitt said the new bridges replaced the old timber bridges that had been built in 1948.

The project was part of the $126.5 million state-funded Southern Queensland Accelerated Road Rehabilitation Program.

"McEvoy Street is an important link in Warwick that connects the central business district to the growing industrial area," Mr Pitt said.

"The new concrete bridges, which are located on the same alignments as the old bridges, will cater for growing traffic as well as the heavier loads using the busy street.

"The new bridges have additional pedestrian and bike paths as well as improved road alignment and access during wet periods."

Mr Pitt said the concrete bridges would reduce the pressure on the limited supply of hardwood.

"Timber bridges require higher maintenance and rely on scarce and valuable timber resources," he said.

"I am pleased the old bridges won't go to waste – the timber will be re-used to maintain and strengthen other bridges around the state."

Main Roads is in the process of replacing 31 timber bridges from Stanthorpe to north of Bundaberg with new concrete structures by the end of 2009.

"A venture of this scope normally takes up to 15 years but by packaging individual projects into one program, the project team are able to save huge amounts of time and make better use of resources," Mr Pitt said.

"Another major bridge replacement in the area is at Broadwater Creek on Stanthorpe to Texas road, which should be finished by the end of the year."

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819