The Queensland government has revealed that the department of transport and main roads (TMR) has begun upgrading the Baffle Creek Bridge on the Carnarvon Highway as part of the early Inland Freight Route works.
In November last year, the Queensland government announced a $107.1 million Inland Freight Route early works package, funding upgrades to the Carnarvon Highway, Dawson Developmental Road, Dawson Highway and Gregory Developmental Road.
The early works package included funding for works on the Baffle Creek Bridge – which are expected to start in November – and involve strengthening and widening the bridge, as well as improving its approaches. These works will also improve safety and accessibility for heavy vehicles.
Early works to support the bridge upgrade include the construction of a side-track around the site.
The side-track will be able to be used by most vehicles, with reduced speed limits and single lane operation.
“The $1 billion Inland Freight Route is a key commitment from the Queensland government and the federal government, designed to create an alternative route for the transportation of freight in Queensland,” Queensland transport and main roads minister Bart Mellish says.
“This ‘Second Bruce’ will take heavy vehicles off the Bruce Highway, making it safer and more reliable for everyone.
“TMR has begun early works on the project, which is widening and strengthening the Baffle Creek bridge on the Carnarvon Highway, located about 33km north of Injune.
“The project involves widening the existing bridge from 7.32m to 10.4m.
“This project is proudly funded by the state government as part of our commitment to the Inland Freight Route (IFR) Early Works Package.
Heavy vehicles operators are advised that width and mass restrictions will apply during bridge and approach works, and they should check for details of restrictions and alternative route options.
“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of the community while TMR completes these works,” Mellish says.
“I urge motorists to drive safely and follow the instructions of traffic controllers.”
Subscribe to the weekly Owner//Driver newsletter here.