Mitchell bridge replacement
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Overview:
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The Department of Transport and Main Roads is constructing a new bridge over the Maranoa River at Mitchell.
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Location:
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Warrego Highway, Mitchell
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Benefits:
- The bridge was scheduled for replacement by June 2014 as part of the Department’s commitment to extend Type 2 road train access on the Warrego Highway from Mitchell to west of Roma.
The river crossing is a critical link to Mitchell and south-western communities, as well as the livestock and transport industries.
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Supplier:
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Not yet determined
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Regions:
- South West Region
Project info
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is fast-tracking the replacement of the existing Sir Thomas Mitchell Bridge over the Maranoa River at Mitchell. Work on the new bridge is scheduled to begin before the end of the year and completion of the project is expected a year ahead of schedule, weather permitting.
The new bridge, located a few metres downstream from the existing bridge built in the 1950s, will align with Mitchell’s main street. It will also provide safe and reliable access for pedestrians across the Maranoa River.
The Warrego Highway between Roma and Mitchell is a key link in the federal government’s Brisbane – Darwin Corridor Strategy to improve national freight routes. Federal and State funding has been committed to upgrade the section from the breakdown pad west of Mitchell to Butcher’s Hill west of Roma to a standard which allows the movement of Type 2 road trains.
Rough sections, pavement damage, narrow culverts and a narrow bridge mean more than 60 kilometres of this section of highway will need to be widened or rehabilitated.The upgrade will improve safety for motorists and deliver significant economic benefits to the freight and livestock industries.
The existing bridge will be demolished following completion of the new bridge. This is because:
- the spans of the new bridge will be several metres longer
than those of the existing one. This will contribute to a
significant build up of debris and cause erosion around
both bridges and the river bed. It could also adversely
affect the new bridge in future flood events.
- ongoing maintenance costs mean it would not be
economical to maintain the old bridge to a safe and
reliable standard.
- the existing bridge is not suitable for pedestrian access,
as they need to cross the busy Warrego Highway.
Pedestrian access across the Maranoa River will be
provided as part of the new bridge.
Project overview (PDF, 371 KB)
Contact details
Traffic info
For up to date information on all state controlled roads, including road closures and road works in the south west region, please visit
www.131940.qld.gov.au
