General News
6 April, 2022
Halfway mark for cap works
THE replacement of the bridge over Williams Creek on Merragallan Road, Malanda, is well underway after a slow start caused by extremely hard rock.
The bridge replacement is part of Tablelands Regional Council’s $30 million capital works program for the 2021-22 year, of which $15.6 million of works have already been completed.
“Both piers and one of the bridge abutments are complete, and the bridge beams are being constructed offsite,” Councillor Dave Bilney said.
“By the end of April, the second abutment should be done, the beams transported to the site and installed, and the bridge kerbs completed.
“After that it will just be the installation of guardrails and reconstruction of the road connections.
“Hopefully the weather doesn’t interfere too much and we’ll be able to have the road reopened in early June,” he said.
The replacement of Duncan Brown Bridge on Mary Street in Malanda is also progressing on schedule, with preparations well underway to start the project in the next few months.
“This is a pretty major project for the town and the finished product will be a vast improvement on the current bridge,” Cr Bilney said.
“Work should start in the next few months and the new bridge will have two lanes and pedestrian access.
“It is expected to last us for the next 100 years.”
The increased load limit of 44T will mean trucks and emergency services vehicles will be able to cross the bridge, which is something they cannot currently do.
“The bridge and road will be closed during the demolition and construction, which is expected to take up to six months,” Cr Bilney said.
“There are multiple detour routes, and the primary one via Forrester Road has had upgraded line marking and signs to accommodate the increased traffic flow during construction.
“We’ll put up signs with start dates on either side of the bridge once we have these details.
“While there will be a bit of disruption, we will certainly reap the rewards when the new bridge is opened.”
The total cost of the two projects is $3.4 million, jointly funded by the Australian Government, under the Bridges Renewal Program, and Tablelands Regional Council.
