Published Monday, 14 July, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Planning study for highway across Herbert River floodplains
Safety and transport efficiency are key focal points of a new planning study that will examine how long-term road trafficability can be achieved across the Herbert River floodplains.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt has commissioned a $5 million planning study for the Bruce Highway from Rutledge Street at Ingham to the southern foothills of the Cardwell Range.
Mr Pitt said Main Roads had previously focused on the existing Bruce Highway alignment between the Herbert River and the Cardwell Range, but it had become clear that the scope needed widening to include the flooding problems around Ingham.
"These investigations revealed a much more complex environment than initially thought," he said.
"Flood immunity improvements to the road network in north Queensland present a huge challenge given the tropical climate and large river systems.
"It is vital we understand the full extent of flooding impacts on the Herbert River floodplain and determine the best design option to improve the flood immunity of this section of the highway."
Mr Pitt said the planning study would involve investigating a number of design options in detail, including upgrading the existing road alignment as well as building on a new alignment.
"Extensive consultation with the local community and stakeholders will ensure we establish the best road alignment and standard of flood immunity," he said.
"Community consultation will be ongoing throughout the study to understand water flow patterns across the floodplain and appreciate the social and economic impacts of the different road options.
"The aim of the planning study is to identify a solution that would produce an acceptable level of trafficability during the wet season, without adversely affecting existing flood levels in the town and on adjacent properties."
Mr Pitt said there was no preference for any road corridor option at this stage.
"The study will start in October this year and is expected to take about three years to complete,” he said.
"The outcome of the extended planning study will allow Main Roads to confidently apply for funding to upgrade this section of the highway under future AusLink programs.
"Main Roads is already seeing the benefits of current AusLink projects to upgrade the flood immunity of the Bruce Highway just south of Ingham and Tully."
For more information about the study, contact 1300 663 258.
Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt has commissioned a $5 million planning study for the Bruce Highway from Rutledge Street at Ingham to the southern foothills of the Cardwell Range.
Mr Pitt said Main Roads had previously focused on the existing Bruce Highway alignment between the Herbert River and the Cardwell Range, but it had become clear that the scope needed widening to include the flooding problems around Ingham.
"These investigations revealed a much more complex environment than initially thought," he said.
"Flood immunity improvements to the road network in north Queensland present a huge challenge given the tropical climate and large river systems.
"It is vital we understand the full extent of flooding impacts on the Herbert River floodplain and determine the best design option to improve the flood immunity of this section of the highway."
Mr Pitt said the planning study would involve investigating a number of design options in detail, including upgrading the existing road alignment as well as building on a new alignment.
"Extensive consultation with the local community and stakeholders will ensure we establish the best road alignment and standard of flood immunity," he said.
"Community consultation will be ongoing throughout the study to understand water flow patterns across the floodplain and appreciate the social and economic impacts of the different road options.
"The aim of the planning study is to identify a solution that would produce an acceptable level of trafficability during the wet season, without adversely affecting existing flood levels in the town and on adjacent properties."
Mr Pitt said there was no preference for any road corridor option at this stage.
"The study will start in October this year and is expected to take about three years to complete,” he said.
"The outcome of the extended planning study will allow Main Roads to confidently apply for funding to upgrade this section of the highway under future AusLink programs.
"Main Roads is already seeing the benefits of current AusLink projects to upgrade the flood immunity of the Bruce Highway just south of Ingham and Tully."
For more information about the study, contact 1300 663 258.
Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819