Published Friday, 15 February, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
New Philpott Creek bridge at Mundubbera opens to traffic
The new concrete bridge over Philpott Creek, 13km east of Mundubbera on the Burnett Highway, is now open to traffic.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the new bridge replaced the old timber bridge that had been built in 1958.
He said the project was part of the $126.5 million state-funded Southern Queensland Accelerated Road Rehabilitation Program.
“The Burnett Highway serves as a vital inland transport and tourism route,” Mr Pitt said.
“The new concrete bridge, which is located on the same alignment as the old bridge, will cater for growing traffic volumes as well as heavier loads using the highway.
“The new bridge is also wider and has a design life of 100 years."
Mr Pitt said the new concrete bridge would reduce the pressure on limited supplies of hardwood.
“Timber bridges require higher maintenance and rely on scarce 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 due for completion by the end of 2009.
“A venture of this scope normally takes up to 17 years but by packaging individual projects into one program, the project team is able to save huge amounts of time and make better use of resources,” Mr Pitt said.
“Other major bridge replacements in the South Burnett area include Boonara Creek bridge 4 at Boobyjan, Nangur Creek bridges 2 and 3, Barambah Creek bridge and Crooked Creek bridge at Goomeri.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the new bridge replaced the old timber bridge that had been built in 1958.
He said the project was part of the $126.5 million state-funded Southern Queensland Accelerated Road Rehabilitation Program.
“The Burnett Highway serves as a vital inland transport and tourism route,” Mr Pitt said.
“The new concrete bridge, which is located on the same alignment as the old bridge, will cater for growing traffic volumes as well as heavier loads using the highway.
“The new bridge is also wider and has a design life of 100 years."
Mr Pitt said the new concrete bridge would reduce the pressure on limited supplies of hardwood.
“Timber bridges require higher maintenance and rely on scarce 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 due for completion by the end of 2009.
“A venture of this scope normally takes up to 17 years but by packaging individual projects into one program, the project team is able to save huge amounts of time and make better use of resources,” Mr Pitt said.
“Other major bridge replacements in the South Burnett area include Boonara Creek bridge 4 at Boobyjan, Nangur Creek bridges 2 and 3, Barambah Creek bridge and Crooked Creek bridge at Goomeri.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819