Bowen Road Bridge, which is a key route in Townsville, will be closed for three weekends across October and November to replace the road surface and expansion joints.
Transport and Main Roads North Queensland Regional Director Sanjay Ram said a full bridge closure would be required to enable crews to safely and efficiently complete the works.
The bridge will be closed from Friday, October 16, to Monday, October 19, then again from October 23-26 and finally from November 6-9.
Closures will occur from 6pm Friday to 6am Monday each weekend. Crews will remove and replace whole sections of the bridge’s road surface during the closures.
“While these works are underway and there is large machinery and equipment operating, it will not be possible for vehicles to safely travel across,” said Ram.
“We recognise road closures are a major inconvenience for many motorists.
“Weekends were chosen for the closures in order to minimise impacts on weekday commuter and school traffic which represent higher traffic volumes compared to weekends.
“Motorists are encouraged to check qldtraffic.qld.gov.au for further information about the closures and to plan their trip via alternative routes.
Traffic management including electronic message boards and detour signs will be in place during the closures.
Ram said the bridge works would improve travel conditions for motorists.
“The works are about ensuring Bowen Road Bridge’s longevity and reducing the need for ongoing maintenance and repairs,” he said.
“The new deck surface and expansion joints will ensure a safer and smoother journey for more than 24,000 vehicles each day.
“Over the past two years, we have completed a significant program of works on the Bowen Road Bridge to ensure this vital link between Townsville and the southern and western suburbs remains strong, safe and operational into the future.
“Earlier this year, we completed the $11.66 million Bowen Road Bridge repairs project which was jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian governments under the Bridges Renewal Program.
“Those works repaired and strengthened the bridge’s foundations as well as its support walls and restored deteriorated sections on the underside of the deck.
“This last, small program of works to replace the road surface and expansion joints will be the finishing touches on a significant refurbishment of this 60-year-old bridge.”
For up to date information on roadworks and conditions, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au.