- Early works have begun on the Baffle Creek bridge and approaches on the Carnarvon Highway approximately 33km north of Injune.
- Construction of a side-track around the site started in September 2024 with work to widen and strengthen the bridge over Baffle Creek expected to start in November 2024.
- This project forms part of the early works for the $1 billion Inland Freight Route.
With detailed design now complete, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has begun to upgrade the Baffle Creek Bridge on the Carnarvon Highway, north of Injune.
In November 2023, the Queensland Government announced a $107.1 million Inland Freight Route Early Works Package.
This builds on $109.71 million of priority upgrades to the Inland Freight Route and key feeder roads identified in the A Real Bruce Plan 2020, including upgrades to the Carnarvon Highway, Dawson Developmental Road, Dawson Highway and Gregory Developmental Road.
The Early Works Package included funding for works on the Baffle Creek Bridge – which are expected to start in November – and involve strengthening and widening the bridge, as well as improving its approaches. These works will also improve safety and accessibility for heavy vehicles.
Early works to support the bridge upgrade include the construction of a side-track around the site. The side-track will be able to be used by most vehicles, with reduced speed limits and single lane operation. Heavy vehicles operators are advised that width and mass restrictions will apply during bridge and approach works, and they should check for details of restrictions and alternative route options. As the Early Works Package progresses, TMR is continuing to develop program details for the remaining funding for delivery in due course (consistent with the overarching Inland Freight Route Investment Strategy).
The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2024-25 to 2027-28 outlines a $1 billion funding commitment for the Inland Freight Route (Charters Towers to Mungindi), jointly funded with the Australian Government. Information on the latest traffic conditions will be available by phoning 13 19 40, or by visiting www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au .
As stated by the Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish:
"The $1 billion Inland Freight Route is a key commitment from the Miles Labor Government and the Australian Government, designed to create an alternative route for the transportation of freight in Queensland.
"This 'Second Bruce' will take heavy vehicles off the Bruce Highway, making it safer and more reliable for everyone.
"TMR has begun early works on the project, which is widening and strengthening the Baffle Creek bridge on the Carnarvon Highway, located about 33km north of Injune.
"The project involves widening the existing bridge from 7.32m to 10.4m.
"This project is proudly funded by the Miles Labor Government as part of our commitment to the Inland Freight Route (IFR) Early Works Package.
"We appreciate the patience and cooperation of the community while TMR completes these works.
"I urge motorists to drive safely and follow the instructions of traffic controllers."
Link to Inland Freight Route map: HERE (Password: IFR)
