Destruction of a bridge over the Bruce Highway is about to begin, as part of a massive interchange upgrade.
Work to demolish the original eastbound bridge connecting Nambour to Maroochydore is set to start on January 20, marking a significant milestone during a $301m project designed to improve roads in the area.
The two-lane concrete bridge was built in 1990 as part of the Nambour Bypass, but it has been recently supplanted by a new, two-span bridge that will carry four lanes of traffic, including active transport facilities for bike riders and pedestrians.
Construction crews will work continuously to demolish the old bridge until the early hours of Monday, January 23, weather permitting.
The old bridge consists of one large concrete structure, which sits above four lanes of the Bruce Highway traffic.
The demolition work will involve excavators working to remove the structure, with more than 80 per cent of the discarded material expected to be repurposed for future road projects.
To maintain the safety of motorists during the demolition, all Bruce Highway traffic that would normally go under the bridge will be detoured through the Maroochydore Road interchange.
Motorists are advised to expect significant delays at the interchange and are encouraged to avoid the area if possible. Extra time should be allowed for journeys.
State Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the demolition would be a “complex job”.
“As it was built as one large concrete structure, it needs to be removed in one process,” he said.
“Removing this bridge will help crews get on with important works to ease congestion and improve safety on the Bruce Highway.”
The Department of Transport and Main Roads sent out a press release saying it understood roadworks can be frustrating for surrounding residents and businesses, and that every effort would be made to minimise the impacts of the demolition.
“As always, we appreciate the public’s ongoing patience and co-operation while this important road project is underway,” Mr Bailey said.
In the lead-up to the weekend works, traffic travelling from Maroochydore Road to Nambour Connection Road has been realigned onto the upgraded westbound bridge to enable the demolition to take place.
The demolition and interchange works are part of a jointly funded $301.25 million project that includes upgrading the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges and providing two-way service roads on the eastern and western sides of the Bruce Highway for local traffic.
When completed, the project is set to improve safety and efficiency, and significantly increase capacity at the Mons Road and Maroochydore Road interchanges and along the section of the highway.
The State Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said it was “great” to get to the important demolition stage of the interchange upgrade.
“We’re delivering more lanes, better interchanges and safer conditions,” he said.
This project is jointly funded on an 80:20 basis, with the Australian Government contributing $241 million and the Queensland Government contributing $60.25 million.
The project is expected to be completed in mid-2023 (weather and construction conditions permitting). It was estimated to support an average of 380 direct jobs.
For more information and to register for project updates, see Transport and Main Roads – Bruce Highway Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges.
For up-to-date information on road closures and conditions across the state visit QldTraffic, call 13 19 40 or download the QldTraffic app.
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