Moreton Bay Regional Council will construct a new $5 million bridge over the South Pine River at Draper to provide better access and flood immunity for motorists and residents in the local area.
Division 10 Councillor Matt Constance said an 80m-long, three-span bridge would be built east of Heather Anne Drive, Draper and replace an existing one-way, low-level bridge after council awarded a construction tender at its coordination committee meeting on Tuesday, March 28.
“This project will provide a more accessible, flood-resilient road bridge for motorists who know all too well the 6km detour they currently have to take each time the existing bridge is flooded,” Cr Constance said.
The 10m-wide structure will be built at a higher level to minimise the impact of severe weather events and swelling of the South Pine River, and will feature two-lane access and 480m of associated new roads.
“As part of the project, fauna crossing infrastructure will also be installed underneath the bridge to provide safe passage for animals moving between the local environment.
“When severe weather hits it’s our roads and bridges that keep us connected, and it’s why this project forms part of council’s $91.3 million investment towards roads in 2016/17.
“I have no doubt this project will make all the difference for local motorists and residents.”
Councillor Constance acknowledged the Federal Government’s $3.4 million contribution towards the project through its Bridges Renewal Programme.
The Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton said it’s a good investment because the bridge will make it safer for local residents especially when the road is wet.
Construction is expected to start in May and be completed by November, weather permitting.