Bridge re-opens to traffic

THE John Doyle Bridge on Anzac Avenue in Mareeba re-opened to traffic today, Friday 30 October 2020.

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said the project has been a massive undertaking by Council and thanked the community.

“It has been a major piece of work and I commend our staff and contractors for their commitment, perseverance and hard work delivering this critical project.”

The bridge was scheduled to re-open mid-November after the works program was extended.

“As opposed to a greenfield site where you are starting from scratch when faced with a refurbishment project such as this, you inevitably encounter unexpected elements,” Cr Toppin said.

“Our staff has worked incredibly hard under trying circumstances and I am very pleased we have been able to re-open the bridge today.

“Council has continued to deliver a number of projects while working on the bridge including the Pickford Road Upgrade at Biboohra, Mareeba’s Byrnes Street Beautification Project, the water main upgrade at Rob Veivers Drive in Kuranda and exploration works for a new water bore at Chillagoe,” Cr Toppin said.

The John Doyle Bridge upgrade included replacing the superstructure of the bridge (timber girders and steel deck) with steel concrete and strengthening the existing concrete substructure (piers and abutments). The works will increase the overall lifespan of the bridge, providing access to a significant residential area and a reliable transport route.

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.

An official opening will be held at a later date.