The problem-plagued Barron River Bridge in Queensland is reopen to two lanes with a 42.5 tonne load limit from today, advises the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
As a precaution, the bridge at Kuranda was shut earlier this year after inspections in May 2024 identified previously unidentified issues with the Macalloy bars, which were installed in 1963.
The Macalloy post-tensioning bars were retrofitted to provide extra strength after the bridge opened to traffic earlier that year.
TMR implemented a single lane operation of the bridge to ensure safety for the crew and road users while further investigations and work to protect the Macalloy bars were carried out.
TMR has applied a protective wrap to the affected areas of the Macalloy bars.
Investigations on the bridge and laboratory tests have confirmed that the Macalloy bars may remain in place until a long-term solution is implemented.
An inspection regime will continue to monitor corrosion until completion of a long-term solution.
TMR will also be closely monitoring vehicle weight to ensure compliance with 42.5 tonne load limit requirements.
Scheduled testing and maintenance works – that are part of an ongoing detailed inspection and monitoring program – will be carried out from November 4-29.
During these works, a lane closure is required for the safety of the work crew and road users between 7am and 5 pm, reducing access to the bridge to one lane.
A planning study that will determine the preferred long-term solution for the bridge is on track for completion in December 2024.
“I understand the single-lane operation affects road users and I’d like to thank the community and the freight industry for their continued patience while we carry out necessary testing and maintenance works,” said Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish.
Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2024-25 to 2027-28 includes $15 million towards preconstruction including a reference design.
The Miles government has committed $450 million to construct a new Barron River Bridge if re-elected at the state election on October 26.