SAFER HANSENS BRIDGE ON THE WAY

WORKS are under way on the replacement of Hansens Bridge on Calmorin Road at Ridgelands in the Rockhampton region.

The old one-lane timber bridge has been demolished and will be replaced with concrete box culverts.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project was jointly funded, with the Liberal and Nationals’ Government providing funding through its $480 million Bridges Renewal Program.

“No matter where you live the Liberals and Nationals are investing to get you home sooner and safer,” Mr McCormack said.

“Our Bridges Renewal Program provides up to half the cost of repairing or replacing old and unsafe local bridges in local communities.

Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said the replacement of Hansens Bridge was just one of the projects the Bridges Renewal Program had supported in the region.

“A new and improved Hansens Bridge is something I have fought for and am proud to see it getting delivered,” Mr O’Dowd said.

“Apart from the $463,250 the Liberal and Nationals’ Government contributed for Hansens Bridge, we have also provided $150,388 for Louisa Creek Bridge, $338,000 for Sandy Creek Bridge and $135,000 for Bellingens Bridge.

“Having reliable infrastructure is absolutely vital and these investments will benefit the region for years to come.”

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Margaret Strelow said that Calmorin Road is a designated B-Double route, however the load limit on Hansens Bridge prevented these heavy vehicles from safely and efficiently traversing it.

“The project will increase the load limit from 10 tonnes to 70 tonnes, increase the width from one lane to two, improve the flood immunity of the bridge and improve the safety of the bridge overall.”

“We are pleased to partner with the Australian Government to provide safer access to our bridges for our local residents, heavy vehicle operators and other visitors travelling through our region.”

The Australian Government has committed $463,250 to the Hansens Bridge Replacement project through Round 3 of Bridges Renewal Program, while Rockhampton Regional Council has committed an equal amount.