Bridge Replacement Project

The Timber Bridge Replacement Project commenced in October 2024 and is scheduled for completion in late 2025, weather permitting. This project will replace four timber bridges—Harrys Creek Road Bridge (Amamoor), Smith Road Bridge (Woolooga), Inglewood Road Bridge (Monkland), and Howe Road Bridge (Traveston)—with modern concrete structures.

The existing timber bridges have reached the end of their service life. The new concrete structures will reduce ongoing maintenance needs and enhance flood resilience.

Project Overview

• Status: In progress
• Timeline:

Funding Information

The project is supported by a number of funding sources including the jointly funded Australian Government-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the Australian Government Black Summer Bushfire Recovery (BSBR) grant program, the Australian Government Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) and Gympie Regional Council. The total investment across the four (4) bridges in the project is $7.3 million.

FAQ

Will there be detours in place while works are in progress?

Where detours are possible, signage and traffic control will direct traffic

What do I do if access along diversion route is impacted?

If your access is affected and you require emergency assistance, please call 000 immediately. For non-life threatening flood and storm emergency assistance during severe weather events please call the SES on 132 500.

How will I be notified before construction starts?

Properties impacted by the works will be notified by the contractor in advance. Notifications may include face-to-face discussions, electronic signage, direct letters to residents, or a combination of these methods.

What are the hours of construction?

Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Saturday: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Excluding public holidays, special holidays, bank holidays, and Christmas closure from 22 December to 10 January each year.

Why didn't Council build the new bridge before demolishing the old bridge? (Smith Rd)

During planning, Council explored a range of options and alternative locations for the new bridge but determined they were unfeasible due to grant funding limitations, potential land acquisition requirements, and significantly higher costs. Additionally, studies revealed that keeping the old bridge in place during construction would increase flood risks and compromise public safety, significantly increasing the risk of collapse during construction.

Ultimately, the decision to remove the old bridge and build the new one at the same location was the safest and most cost-effective solution.