QLD contractors build floodplain bridges for $400M motorway upgrade

The Queensland-owned Bielby Hull Albem Joint Venture have raised close to 200 new rafters into place for floodplain bridges on the Ipswich Motorway development.

Weighing up to 22 tonnes each and measuring 25 metres long the beams are in place over the Oxley Creek floodplain to safeguard the motorway.

The $400 million improvement is expected to boost capacity on the motorway and deliver safer connectivity for 85,000 daily drivers.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the global pandemic had impacted economies around the world, but because Queensland was continuing to manage the health response, we were able to concentrate on delivering the state’s economic recovery plan, which includes a $50 billion infrastructure guarantee.

“For roads and transport that means getting on with projects like the Ipswich Motorway upgrade and a record $23 billion roads and transport program, which will create 21,500 jobs,” Palaszczuk said.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said despite COVID, work on the upgrade had continued and was on track for completion early next year.

“This is a targeted infrastructure investment to make the trip to work and back home safer for thousands of motorists every day,” Tudge said.

Four kilometres of girders weighing more than 3800 tonnes have been fitted to prepare for the bridges.

Member for Mt Ommaney Jess Pugh said the 2011 floods saw the old bridges submerged and major closures along the motorway.

“This milestone is another huge win for our community. I’ve seen how devastating floods can be for our community, and the impacts on the Ipswich Motorway,” Pugh said.

The $400 million Ipswich Motorway Upgrade Stage 1 is being jointly funded between the Federal and Queensland Governments, each committing $200 million.