Published Tuesday, 18 November, 2008 at 04:16 PM

Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt

Angellala Creek bridge upgrade to improve freight efficiency

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt today announced a $3.2 million contract to upgrade the Angellala Creek bridge on the Warrego Highway between Morven and Charleville in the state's south-west.

Mr Pitt said the bridge works contractor, Davbridge Constructions, would widen the existing 70-metre Angellala Creek bridge from six metres to 9.3 metres between kerbs, to better cater for heavy vehicles in the future and to improve safety through the area.

"The work will involve widening the existing foundations, removal of the existing deck, and replacement with a new prestressed concrete deck, similar to the Ward River bridge upgrade on Diamantina Developmental Road," Mr Pitt said.

"I am pleased to be able to make this announcement and see it as an important step towards eventually giving Type 2 road trains access along this key freight link."

Currently Type 2 road trains (which pull three trailers behind them) needing to travel east from Charleville can only reach Morven by deviating north through Augathella.

"These road trains are too long to travel safely on the current road between the two towns," Mr Pitt said.

"However, Main Roads has progressively been widening the Warrego Highway between Charleville and Morven in recent years to help these vehicles to eventually travel directly, saving the industry time and money.

"An average of 509 vehicles use this section of the Warrego Highway each day, with almost 16 per cent being heavy vehicles.

"We need to have the infrastructure in place to meet existing and future demand for all vehicles."

The project is scheduled to be completed by late 2009.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819