QLD
A $3.6 million upgrade of the Bundi Road Bridge over Wandoan Creek at Wandoan is now complete, bolstering flood immunity and strengthening the local road network.
Western Downs Regional Council has delivered the major upgrade in partnership with the Australian Government, which has contributed $1.8 million under Round 5 of the Bridges Renewal Program.
The pre-existing bridge was a low-level single-lane, timber structure which would regularly be impacted by rising floodwaters, creating significant delays and detours for motorists.
This project replaced the existing structure with a brand-new, two-lane concrete bridge with an increased deck height.
The new design aims to improve flood immunity and significantly reduce the likelihood of road closures during wet weather.
Additional works were also completed to the road approaches to increase safety for all road users, including the local school bus, Council said in a statement.
The project is a substantial part of recent investment in the Wandoan and Bundi area, with Council recently completing a 5.5-kilometre upgrade of Bundi Road from gravel to bitumen earlier this year, and the bridge upgrade on Bundi Road over Horse Creek in 2017.
Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister, Kristy McBain MP said it was critical that regional communities have safe and reliable infrastructure.
“And I’m proud to be working with local councils like Western Downs to deliver this new bridge for the community,” she said.
“Local businesses and primary producers will now be better connected to the road network to access the Wandoan township and wider Western Downs area, ultimately supporting the region’s economy.
Council Spokesperson for Works and Technical Services, Councillor George Moore said that during forced closures due to wet weather, the diversion would mean a 30-kilometre detour for cars, and 88-kilometre-long detour for heavy vehicles.
“So this upgrade means a great deal to the community, industry, and travellers alike,” he said.
“The stronger and more flood-immune structure also means it can accommodate heavier vehicles, which greatly assists local industries to be able to get their livestock and commodities to market.
“This project is a testament to Council’s long-term vision to invest in safe, well-maintained road networks that connect our region and support economic prosperity.
“This project is a huge win for the local community, which has also showed its support for the project and ultimately been a part of making this upgrade possible.
“It’s fantastic to see works completed, and I thank the community for their patience throughout construction.”
