Bridge Upgrade Commences

Preliminary works to upgrade the John Doyle Bridge on Mareeba’s Anzac Avenue have commenced.

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said safe access for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility scooters will be maintained during the upgrade project.

“Council will be constructing a temporary crossing to enable people to walk, run and cycle across the Barron River while the works are being carried out,” she said.

During the construction phase, the bridge will remain closed to all vehicular traffic. Motorists will expect traffic delays and there will be detours put in place to get to and from the CBD from the eastern side of town.

Mayor Angela Toppin assured residents that Council is doing everything it can to minimise the disruption. “We know there will be a period of inconvenience caused and we will be giving the community as much notice as possible before the bridge closes to vehicular traffic,” she said.

“Council postponed the project last year due to other works being carried out by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). Unfortunately, TMR then delayed its works.

“We are now in a position where we have to commence our project as we have funding timelines to meet, which if not met would result in the loss of a grant,” Cr Toppin explained.

At present, the bridge has a 5-tonne limit, and Council needs to carry out significant works to reinstate the capacity back to 44 tonnes.

Mayor Angela Toppin said it is vital that Council maintains critical infrastructure. “The project will take approximately three months to complete and we will be communicating the progress of the works with the community,” she said.

“We thank the community in advance for its understanding, patience and cooperation as this project gets underway.”

This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program, the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program and Mareeba Shire Council.