The Mount Crosby Road overpass of the Warrego Highway in Karalee has re-opened to traffic this morning, three days ahead of schedule.
The bridge was struck by an oversize vehicle carrying a wind turbine in May last year, causing damage to the structure.
It was reopened at 5am this morning (Wednesday January 21) following intensive restoration works carried out by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to lift out and replace damaged bridge girders over the weekend.
A 20km/h speed restriction remains in place across the overpass while further restoration works are completed. These works will continue at night, with minimal traffic disruptions anticipated.
The bridge girder works undertaken will allow for heavy vehicle traffic to return to the overpass again, eliminating the temporary load restrictions that were in place since May 2025.
Remaining works on the overpass include reinstating the footpath, bridge deck, road surface and barriers, plus realigning the traffic lanes to original configuration.
While the remaining works are completed, the Mount Crosby Road overpass will be reduced to a single lane with traffic control and alternating flow nightly between 8pm and 5am, with no further detours planned for motorists travelling north and south across the overpass.
The Warrego Highway westbound will be closed beneath the overpass nightly between 10pm and 5am until Saturday January 24, 2026. Traffic will be detoured via the Mount Crosby Road interchange exit and entry ramps, which are right next to the highway.
TMR’s Regional Director (Metro) Stephen Mallows said the completion of the girder works sooner than expected eliminates further need for temporary detours to northbound and southbound traffic on Mount Crosby Road.
“We have fast-tracked these repair works to help get the people of Ipswich moving again in time for School Term 1,” Mallows said.
“The return of regular heavy vehicles across the overpass is also a big win for the Ipswich freight industry, which supports many facets of the Ipswich economy.
“Haulage businesses will once again be able to use the overpass to get to the next job
quickly and efficiently.
“The Mount Crosby Road overpass is vital to the local economy and surrounding communities, and TMR will continue working to restore the overpass to full capacity as soon as possible.
“We thank the community and freight operators for their patience while these important works are carried out, and we will keep the community informed as works to restore the overpass move towards completion.”