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Load limits imposed as bridge reopens

The Maranoa River Bridge at Mitchell in Queensland has reopened under traffic control and load restrictions

February 8, 2012

A flood-hit bridge in south-west Queensland has reopened under traffic control and load and width restrictions.

The Maranoa River Bridge at Mitchell damaged during recent flooding reopened late yesterday. Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace says the bridge sustained structural damage after being hit by debris, but engineers have confirmed it is safe to use with restrictions.

Wallace says a five tonne load limit currently applies for vehicles travelling on the Warrego Highway between Roma and Mitchell, but permits for essential supplies up to 42.5 tonnes can be applied for.

“Our focus is to move emergency vehicles, critical supplies, and clean-up crews,” he says.

“While the bridge is reopening, more debris will need to be removed, handrails rebuilt and some approaches reconstructed, and this will require some temporary closures.”

Wallace says the Department of Transport and Main roads is working as quickly as possible to reconnect areas of the south-west cut off by floodwaters.
He says the link between Mitchell and Morven is due to open today subject to repair works being completed.

“Our main priority is people’s safety, so roads will only reopen when safe to do so,” Wallace says.

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