Queensland Government starts Cape River Bridge upgrade

TINNews |

The Government of Queensland has initiated the process of upgrading the Cape River Bridge located between Emerald and Charters Towers with an investment of A$34.6m ($26.2m) in Australia.

The bridge upgrade is expected to offer a reliable transport to the people living in the North Queensland region.

Minister assisting the premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said: "We know that we need safe and reliable roads in the north to keep our region moving, supporting local families and businesses and creating more local work."

Rourke explained that during the wet seasons, the people usually avoided this road due to flooding, which has left many people stranded in the region.

The severe road condition also affected the local businesses as it became difficult for the people to commute, as well as transport livestock and other goods.

The new bridge will be higher and wider in order to provide year-round access to the commuters.

"This is the second year in a row we have committed record spend to Queensland communities through roads and transport infrastructure."

The upgrade work is expected to be complete by mid-next year.

In addition to the bridge upgrade, the government will also improve 2km of road approaching the bridge, in order to improve safety and driving conditions.

Queensland Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said: "The upgrade of Cape River Bridge is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s A$77m ($58.4m) investment in the Gregory Developmental Road over the next three years.

"This is the second year in a row we have committed record spend to Queensland communities through roads and transport infrastructure.

"This includes more than A$1.3bn ($986m) in North Queensland, creating work for more than 995 locals."

Bailey further explained that the bridge upgrade was carried out as part of government’s commitment to investing in roads and infrastructure in North Queensland.