Demolition of the original eastbound bridge connecting Nambour to Maroochydore over the Bruce Highway is set to start later this week, weather permitting.
From 7pm on Friday, January 20, until 5am on Monday, January 23, construction crews will work continuously to demolish the old bridge.
The old bridge consists of one large concrete structure, which sits above four lanes of the Bruce Highway traffic. The demolition work will involve excavators working to remove the structure, with more than 80 per cent of the discarded material expected to be repurposed for future road projects.
The original two-lane concrete bridge was built in 1990 as part of the Nambour Bypass, and has since been replaced by a new, two-span one that will carry four lanes of traffic, including active transport facilities for bike riders and pedestrians.
To maintain the safety of motorists during the demolition, all Bruce Highway traffic will be detoured through the Maroochydore Road interchange.
Motorists are advised to expect significant delays at the Maroochydore Road interchange and encouraged to avoid the area if possible. Extra time should be allowed for journeys.
TMR’s heavy vehicles unit says all vehicles will need to exit the motorway at the Exit 201 off-ramps, travel through the interchange and enter the motorway again via the Exit 201 on-ramps.
For vehicles exceeding 4m wide and or 5m high, however, the above detour has been deemed unsuitable. Please contact Rob Owen on 0439 401 408 to confirm route suitability prior to travel.
Transport and Main Roads says that it appreciates roadworks can be frustrating for surrounding residents and businesses and every effort will be made to minimise the impacts of the demolition on the community.
In the lead-up to the weekend works, traffic travelling from Maroochydore Road to Nambour Connection Road has been realigned onto the newly upgraded, westbound bridge to enable the demolition to take place.
The jointly funded, $301.25 million project includes upgrading both the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges and providing two-way service roads on the eastern and western sides of the Bruce Highway for local traffic.
When complete, the project will improve safety and efficiency and significantly increase capacity at the Mons Road and Maroochydore Road interchanges and along this section of the highway, says TMR.
This project is jointly funded on an 80:20 basis, with the Australian Government contributing $241 million and the Queensland Government contributing $60.25 million. The project is expected to be completed in mid-2023 (weather and construction conditions permitting). It is estimated to support an average of 380 direct jobs over the life of the project.