Wendy Bourne MP, Member for Ipswich West, has called on the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to provide urgent clarification regarding significant changes to the Warrego Highway, Bremer River Bridge strengthening project.
In 2024, the previous State Government secured $42.5 million, with the Federal Government matching funding for essential strengthening works and a new bridge deck for the westbound lanes of the Bremer River Bridge. This commitment followed a detailed business case by TMR which identified multiple structural issues, including cracks in the steel bridge, requiring extensive works.
At the time, the departmental business case confirmed that a full deck replacement was necessary to remove existing speed and mass restrictions and to ensure the long-term safety of the bridge.
However, recent information suggests that TMR has revised its approach, with plans to undertake welding repairs to address fatigue cracks rather than proceed with a full deck replacement. The Department now reportedly intends to restore full speed limits within a few months.
This represents a substantial change in both project scope and cost. It’s vital the community understands the basis for this decision.
Quotes attributable to Wendy Bourne MP, Member for Ipswich West:
“I’m no engineer, and sadly I don’t own a jet ski – I rely on the expertise of the department and their Minister to relay the most up to date information to me, therefore, I have had to write again to the Department and the Minister asking for:
- An assurance of long-term safety and structural performance under full traffic loads;
- Whether the updated assessments and cost breakdown informing the revised plans will be publicly released; and
- An assurance that the pledged $42.5 million will remain in Ipswich West to be used on its other significant road infrastructure needs.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
ipswich.west@parliament.qld.gov.au
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ipswich.west@parliament.qld.gov.au
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