Published Wednesday, 23 January, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Main Roads fast-tracks works on vital road
Main Roads is accelerating works on four bridges along Gatton–Clifton Road to reinstate full access for freight traffic sooner.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said Main Roads had responded to concerns about load limits by opening all the bridges to one lane of traffic until side tracks were in place and permanent repairs were made.
“All vehicles can access the bridges over Dry Creek, Heifer Creek bridges 1 and 5 and King Creek at present, though access will be reduced to one lane of traffic,” Mr Pitt said.
"Reducing the bridges’ carrying capacity to one lane ensures that these bridges can be safely used by all vehicles until repairs are carried out.”
Mr Pitt said the $5 million works to repair and, in some cases, replace four bridges on the road were underway, with the construction of a concrete bridge over Dry Creek due to start in May.
“The side track and construction works at Dry Creek have been accelerated by six months,” Mr Pitt said.
“The rehabilitation works at Heifer Creek bridges 1 and 5 have been accelerated by at least six months and the side track at King Creek by at least 12 months to allow for heavy vehicle access.”
Mr Pitt said the side track should be in place at Dry Creek by mid February, in time for construction to start on the new concrete bridge.
"Rehabilitation works are also due to start by the end of this month on Heifer Creek bridge 1, with similar works to follow on bridge 5,” he said.
"Work to construct a sidetrack at King Creek will start in April this year.”
Mr Pitt said the plan to accelerate the works followed discussions with transport bodies and departmental investigations into the condition of the bridges.
"Main Roads has made it a priority to review all options available to keep this road open for heavy vehicles,” he said.
"We recognise the importance of the route for produce deliveries and will continue to work closely with industry and Gatton and Cambooya shire councils to minimise any disruptions.”
Mr Pitt said motorists needed to be aware that for their safety, Main Roads would continue to monitor the bridges to determine if load limits needed to be introduced.
“Main Roads may need to place load limits on any of these bridges should they be affected by adverse weather conditions, for example, if a side track is washed out,” he said.
“Main Roads will set up a register of interested parties to be alerted if wet weather affects the route.”
Road users can register by phoning 4639 0838 (during business hours) or emailing www.southern@mainroads.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said Main Roads had responded to concerns about load limits by opening all the bridges to one lane of traffic until side tracks were in place and permanent repairs were made.
“All vehicles can access the bridges over Dry Creek, Heifer Creek bridges 1 and 5 and King Creek at present, though access will be reduced to one lane of traffic,” Mr Pitt said.
"Reducing the bridges’ carrying capacity to one lane ensures that these bridges can be safely used by all vehicles until repairs are carried out.”
Mr Pitt said the $5 million works to repair and, in some cases, replace four bridges on the road were underway, with the construction of a concrete bridge over Dry Creek due to start in May.
“The side track and construction works at Dry Creek have been accelerated by six months,” Mr Pitt said.
“The rehabilitation works at Heifer Creek bridges 1 and 5 have been accelerated by at least six months and the side track at King Creek by at least 12 months to allow for heavy vehicle access.”
Mr Pitt said the side track should be in place at Dry Creek by mid February, in time for construction to start on the new concrete bridge.
"Rehabilitation works are also due to start by the end of this month on Heifer Creek bridge 1, with similar works to follow on bridge 5,” he said.
"Work to construct a sidetrack at King Creek will start in April this year.”
Mr Pitt said the plan to accelerate the works followed discussions with transport bodies and departmental investigations into the condition of the bridges.
"Main Roads has made it a priority to review all options available to keep this road open for heavy vehicles,” he said.
"We recognise the importance of the route for produce deliveries and will continue to work closely with industry and Gatton and Cambooya shire councils to minimise any disruptions.”
Mr Pitt said motorists needed to be aware that for their safety, Main Roads would continue to monitor the bridges to determine if load limits needed to be introduced.
“Main Roads may need to place load limits on any of these bridges should they be affected by adverse weather conditions, for example, if a side track is washed out,” he said.
“Main Roads will set up a register of interested parties to be alerted if wet weather affects the route.”
Road users can register by phoning 4639 0838 (during business hours) or emailing www.southern@mainroads.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819