Work is due to start this week on a small bridge that plays a big role in linking hinterland communities.
Sunshine Coast Council is spending $336,000 to replace a bridge on Kiamba Road over Rocky Creek at Kiamba.
Kiamba Road links Yandina and the communities of Bridges and Cooloolabin with Image Flat, north-west of Nambour.
A council statement said the existing single-lane timber bridge was being replaced because it was coming to the end of its life.
The contract for the new bridge was awarded to Nabis Dredging, a Sunshine Coast-based dredging, marine and civil contracting business.
The council said the bridge was being built off-site to minimise disruption to the community.
The bridge has been built in three parts at Nabis’s Forest Glen yard. They will be trucked to Kiamba then craned into position.
Work is due to start on February 12 and the bridge is expected to be completed in March.
Division 10 councillor David Law was pleased to announce the bridge would be replaced, ensuring access and improved safety for the community.
“The replacement bridge will retain the look of the existing structure using ironbark timber, steel bolts and a guardrail with an asphalt deck as the driving surface,” Cr Law said.
“Some of the original bridge foundations, which have been approved as suitable for reuse, are being retained to speed up construction time.
“Additionally, the two bridge piers will be retained and refurbished with new timber where the old timber has begun to show signs of deterioration.”
Cr Law said the start of the bridge works and the reopening of the road would depend on the weather, and he thanked people for their patience.
“We are excited about this project and the benefits it will bring to our community. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time,” he said.
