Brookstead’s Melrose Road Bridge Project officially opened
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The Melrose Road Bridge replacement project across the North Branch of the Condamine River was officially opened today (Thursday, January 30, 2025), providing a significant upgrade for a key rural route.
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has constructed a new two-lane concrete bridge to replace the single-lane timber bridge on Melrose Road, Brookstead.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald and TRC Construction and Maintenance (Infrastructure Services) portfolio spokesperson Cr Carol Taylor were joined by Senator Anthony Chisholm, the Assistant Minister for Regional Development to open the project. (Senator Chisholm was representing the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain.)
Fellow Councillors, TRC Infrastructure Services Group executives, TRC Infrastructure Services Group crews, contractors and surrounding residents also attended the opening.
Mayor McDonald said the $4.35 million project was jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (the former Bridges Renewal Program, a $2.55 million contribution) and Council ($1.8 million).
Mayor McDonald said Council was grateful for the Australian Government’s financial contribution to the vital upgrade project.
“Council is responsible for a vast infrastructure network across our 13,000km² Region and appreciates the contribution that ensures we keep replacing aged infrastructure for residents across our rural localities, as well as our urban areas,” Mayor McDonald said.
Cr Carol Taylor said the aim of the project was to improve safety and traffic efficiency, but it was also recognition of the road as an important connection for primary producers.
“The transport of agricultural produce and farming machinery absolutely depend on a safe and secure crossing over the Condamine River,” Cr Taylor said.
“The upgraded Melrose Road Bridge will provide a higher level of heavy vehicle access for the Brookstead area farmers and associated industries well into the future.
“Having the new bridge constructed to current engineering standards means it will have a much longer design life.”
Cr Taylor paid tribute to Council staff and contractors who worked on the project, which involved driving 17 concrete precast piles into the banks and the middle of the Condamine River North Branch to provide the platform for the construction of the bridge.
The project has also improved drainage and road approaches, signage, and line-marking.
Cr Taylor also thanked the Brookstead community for their patience and co-operation during the project, noting that the complexity of the project meant that Melrose Road needed to be closed for the duration of construction.
Caption: Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald (left), Senator Anthony Chisholm and TRC Construction and Maintenance (Infrastructure Services) portfolio spokesperson Cr Carol Taylor officially open the Melrose Road Bridge replacement project.