Piling works completed for new Melrose Road Bridge

Construction of the new Melrose Road bridge has reached a major milestone with the completion of piling works.

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is replacing the timber bridge on Melrose Road, Brookstead with a two-lane concrete bridge that will improve safety, traffic efficiency and allow the area’s farming community to transport greater tonnages of grain and other produce from their farm gates to depots and markets.

TRC Construction and Maintenance (Infrastructure Services) portfolio spokesperson Cr Carol Taylor said the piling works were integral to the bridge foundations.

“A total of 17 concrete precast piles were driven into the banks and the middle of the Condamine River North Branch to provide the foundations for the construction of the bridge,” Cr Taylor said.

“There are five piles at the western abutment, seven piles in the centre pier and five piles at the eastern abutment.”

Cr Taylor said the next stage of the bridge construction would involve construction of both abutments and the centre pier headstock in preparation for the pre-cast concrete deck components.

“Melrose Road is a vital route for rural producers with the transport of agricultural produce and farming machinery using the bridge,” Cr Taylor said.

Cr Taylor said the $3.2 million project, which is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s former Bridges Renewal Program and Council, would also improve connectivity for our community.

Melrose Road will be closed until December 2024, weather permitting, to complete bridge construction and associated roadworks. Detours are in place via Brookstead-Norwin Road, Branchview Road and Ladner Road. Signage is in place to assist road users.

Council apologises for any inconvenience and thanks the community for its patience and co-operation during these works.

For more information about the project please call Council on 131 872 or email [email protected]