Published Monday, 23 June, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Contract awarded for Ward River Bridge project
Construction of the long-awaited Ward River Bridge in south-western Queensland is now under way after Davbridge Constructions was awarded a $4 million contract for the project.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the start of construction on the bridge component of the project was a major milestone, with work already in progress at the site.
Mr Pitt said he was confident the bridge design would solve safety and visibility concerns surrounding the old single-lane bridges over the Ward River and Woolshed Gully.
“The project is also being built with an improved alignment so motorists have much better visibility when approaching the bridge,” Mr Pitt said.
"The new bridge will be constructed on a higher alignment with a span of 260 metres and will be one of the longest bridges in western Queensland."
Mr Pitt said residents, tourists and heavy vehicle operators would benefit from the new bridge, which would meet their needs now and into the future.
“When completed, the project will be a valuable piece of infrastructure for residents in the south-west for many years to come,” Mr Pitt said.
The announcement today was welcomed by Murweh Shire Mayor Mark O’Brien, who also appreciates the improved safety benefits the bridge will bring to his community.
“This project means a lot to our community in terms of the safety and visibility features incorporated into the design of the bridge and road alignments,” Cr O'Brien said.
Quilpie Mayor Dave Edwards said the bridge would provide better access to Charleville and Quilpie for emergency services and for commuters, as well as safety benefits.
Last flood season, Quilpie and areas further west were cut off for about two weeks because floodwaters were over the old Ward River bridges by a few metres.
“Time and money will be saved in the future if vehicles can get through to Quilpie sooner. At present, when the road is closed due to flooding, we rely on air drops," Cr Edwards said.
"The new bridge and alignments with improved flood immunity should help to reduce the waiting times to cross the river by allowing motorists to get through when the river is in full flood."
Construction of the eastern road approach has now reached the halfway point, with earthworks and drainage being constructed by Murweh Shire Council.
For more information regarding the project please contact Main Roads’ South-West Region on 1800 776 237.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the start of construction on the bridge component of the project was a major milestone, with work already in progress at the site.
Mr Pitt said he was confident the bridge design would solve safety and visibility concerns surrounding the old single-lane bridges over the Ward River and Woolshed Gully.
“The project is also being built with an improved alignment so motorists have much better visibility when approaching the bridge,” Mr Pitt said.
"The new bridge will be constructed on a higher alignment with a span of 260 metres and will be one of the longest bridges in western Queensland."
Mr Pitt said residents, tourists and heavy vehicle operators would benefit from the new bridge, which would meet their needs now and into the future.
“When completed, the project will be a valuable piece of infrastructure for residents in the south-west for many years to come,” Mr Pitt said.
The announcement today was welcomed by Murweh Shire Mayor Mark O’Brien, who also appreciates the improved safety benefits the bridge will bring to his community.
“This project means a lot to our community in terms of the safety and visibility features incorporated into the design of the bridge and road alignments,” Cr O'Brien said.
Quilpie Mayor Dave Edwards said the bridge would provide better access to Charleville and Quilpie for emergency services and for commuters, as well as safety benefits.
Last flood season, Quilpie and areas further west were cut off for about two weeks because floodwaters were over the old Ward River bridges by a few metres.
“Time and money will be saved in the future if vehicles can get through to Quilpie sooner. At present, when the road is closed due to flooding, we rely on air drops," Cr Edwards said.
"The new bridge and alignments with improved flood immunity should help to reduce the waiting times to cross the river by allowing motorists to get through when the river is in full flood."
Construction of the eastern road approach has now reached the halfway point, with earthworks and drainage being constructed by Murweh Shire Council.
For more information regarding the project please contact Main Roads’ South-West Region on 1800 776 237.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819