Work starts on replacement of Mackay’s Forgan Bridge
Published Wednesday, 07 May, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
The official start of work on one of Mackay's largest bridge and road construction projects was marked today when Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt joined Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin to turn the first sod on the Forgan Bridge Replacement Project.
Mr Pitt said the contract for construction of the new $127.9 million Forgan Bridge had been awarded to Golding Contractors this week ahead of the sod-turning today.
"This project demonstrates the State Government's commitment to building an efficient and safe transport and traffic network to accommodate Mackay's future growth," said Mr Pitt, who attended the sod-turning today.
“We are building tomorrow’s Queensland today. The current Forgan Bridge carries about 30,000 vehicles a day and is a vital link in the Mackay road network."
Mr Mulherin said the bridge, which would cater for growth in the Mackay area, would be built in two parts.
“Firstly, a new two-lane bridge will be built downstream of the existing bridge,” he said.
“The existing bridge will then be demolished and a second two-lane bridge will be constructed, resulting in four new traffic lanes over the Pioneer River.
"Once completed, the new bridge will improve congestion on the busy commuter route while also improving safety and network efficiency. It will also be able to accommodate increases in traffic.”
This project also includes the construction of a new bridge over Barnes Creek and the upgrading of the Kooyong intersection.
Work on the Joint Levee Road, currently under construction, is being timed to link with the work at the Kooyong intersection.
Construction on the Forgan Bridge Replacement Project is due to commence later this month. Weather permitting, the work is scheduled for completion in May 2010.
Media contact: Mr Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Mr Mulherin’s Office 4957 8422
Mr Pitt said the contract for construction of the new $127.9 million Forgan Bridge had been awarded to Golding Contractors this week ahead of the sod-turning today.
"This project demonstrates the State Government's commitment to building an efficient and safe transport and traffic network to accommodate Mackay's future growth," said Mr Pitt, who attended the sod-turning today.
“We are building tomorrow’s Queensland today. The current Forgan Bridge carries about 30,000 vehicles a day and is a vital link in the Mackay road network."
Mr Mulherin said the bridge, which would cater for growth in the Mackay area, would be built in two parts.
“Firstly, a new two-lane bridge will be built downstream of the existing bridge,” he said.
“The existing bridge will then be demolished and a second two-lane bridge will be constructed, resulting in four new traffic lanes over the Pioneer River.
"Once completed, the new bridge will improve congestion on the busy commuter route while also improving safety and network efficiency. It will also be able to accommodate increases in traffic.”
This project also includes the construction of a new bridge over Barnes Creek and the upgrading of the Kooyong intersection.
Work on the Joint Levee Road, currently under construction, is being timed to link with the work at the Kooyong intersection.
Construction on the Forgan Bridge Replacement Project is due to commence later this month. Weather permitting, the work is scheduled for completion in May 2010.
Media contact: Mr Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Mr Mulherin’s Office 4957 8422