Bramble Bay’s newest landmark goes under the hammer
Published Friday, 01 August, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Construction of Australia's first climate-change-proof bridge has stepped up a gear with the massive pile driver "Thor" now pounding its way across Bramble Bay between Sandgate and Redcliffe.
Member for Sandgate Vicky Darling and Member for Redcliffe Lillian van Litsenburg today represented Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt at an on-site event to inspect progress on the $315 million Houghton Highway bridge duplication project.
Mr Pitt said the purpose-built hammer from Singapore, recently christened “Thor”, had been hard at work driving the first permanent piles to support the new Houghton Highway bridge.
"Work on this $315 million landmark project is now well underway on both the northern and southern sides of Bramble Bay and the commencement of piling marks a significant moment in the bridge's construction," Mr Pitt said.
Ms Darling said commuters would have a bird’s-eye view as the new bridge started to take shape.
"Motorists and residents will have a front-row seat as the 154 permanent piles are driven to support the new bridge between Redcliffe and Brisbane,” she said.
"With each driven pile, we move a step closer to delivering this congestion-busting project.
"While this piling work continues, construction of the southern abutment and work on the pedestrian underpass are all progressing.”
Ms van Litsenburg said reclamation works were continuing at Clontarf Point, with a rock, earth and concrete seawall under construction to connect the bridge to its northern banks.
She said the duplication would not only increase traffic capacity between the Redcliffe Peninsula and Brighton, but also provide a safer, all-weather access for commuters.
"The new bridge has been designed to incorporate lessons learned from the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf of Mexico,” Ms van Litsenburg said.
"It has been designed to withstand a one-in-2000 year storm event and will be the first of its type in Australia, and among the first in the world. Commuters and recreational users need a structure that will meet their needs now and into the future, and I am confident this bridge will deliver."
The overall project involves upgrading the existing Houghton Highway bridge and approach intersections, constructing pedestrian/cycle underpasses at both ends of the bridge, and restoring a section of the historic Hornibrook Bridge and its historic portals.
The project is expected to be completed by mid 2011, weather permitting.
For further information contact the Houghton Highway Duplication project team on 1800 626 976 or visit www.mainroads.qld.gov.au.
Media contacts: Mr Pitt – 3227 8819; Ms Darling – 3269 7018; Ms van Litsenburg – 3284 2667
Member for Sandgate Vicky Darling and Member for Redcliffe Lillian van Litsenburg today represented Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt at an on-site event to inspect progress on the $315 million Houghton Highway bridge duplication project.
Mr Pitt said the purpose-built hammer from Singapore, recently christened “Thor”, had been hard at work driving the first permanent piles to support the new Houghton Highway bridge.
"Work on this $315 million landmark project is now well underway on both the northern and southern sides of Bramble Bay and the commencement of piling marks a significant moment in the bridge's construction," Mr Pitt said.
Ms Darling said commuters would have a bird’s-eye view as the new bridge started to take shape.
"Motorists and residents will have a front-row seat as the 154 permanent piles are driven to support the new bridge between Redcliffe and Brisbane,” she said.
"With each driven pile, we move a step closer to delivering this congestion-busting project.
"While this piling work continues, construction of the southern abutment and work on the pedestrian underpass are all progressing.”
Ms van Litsenburg said reclamation works were continuing at Clontarf Point, with a rock, earth and concrete seawall under construction to connect the bridge to its northern banks.
She said the duplication would not only increase traffic capacity between the Redcliffe Peninsula and Brighton, but also provide a safer, all-weather access for commuters.
"The new bridge has been designed to incorporate lessons learned from the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf of Mexico,” Ms van Litsenburg said.
"It has been designed to withstand a one-in-2000 year storm event and will be the first of its type in Australia, and among the first in the world. Commuters and recreational users need a structure that will meet their needs now and into the future, and I am confident this bridge will deliver."
The overall project involves upgrading the existing Houghton Highway bridge and approach intersections, constructing pedestrian/cycle underpasses at both ends of the bridge, and restoring a section of the historic Hornibrook Bridge and its historic portals.
The project is expected to be completed by mid 2011, weather permitting.
For further information contact the Houghton Highway Duplication project team on 1800 626 976 or visit www.mainroads.qld.gov.au.
Media contacts: Mr Pitt – 3227 8819; Ms Darling – 3269 7018; Ms van Litsenburg – 3284 2667