Motorists and heavy vehicle operators using Jackson-Wandoan Road will enjoy a better drive over One Arm Man Creek with a new, two-lane, concrete bridge opening to traffic next week.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said almost $7 million had gone towards improving safety and freight efficiency on the important rural arterial link.
“This new, two-lane bridge will particularly benefit the strong agricultural and resource sectors in the region, providing sufficient width and strength to support heavy vehicles,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Replacement of the 4.6 metre-wide, single-lane, timber bridge with a 9.2 metre-wide structure will reduce the risk of crashes and the burden of the continuous maintenance.
“We know how vital it is to the community to be providing job opportunities as we recover from the pandemic, which is why the Liberals and Nationals are continuing to deliver projects like this under our $110 billion infrastructure pipeline.”
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the new bridge would be welcomed by locals and heavy vehicle operators alike.
“The new bridge is much safer thanks to the realignment of the approaches and new guardrails,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The upgrade will also provide greater flood immunity and reduced risk of traffic delays.
“This investment is estimated to have supported an average of seven direct jobs over the life of the project, which is fantastic to hear.”
Works began in late March this year and were completed in October.
The $6.922 million project was delivered under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on a 50:50 basis.
