Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is replacing the timber bridge on Melrose Road, Brookstead with a two-lane concrete bridge that will improve safety and traffic efficiency.
Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald said the $3.2 million project, which is jointly funded by the Australian Government's Bridges Renewal Program ($2.55 million) and TRC, would also improve connectivity on the important agricultural industry route.
"Council's regular inspection program identified that the old timber bridge has reached the end of its service life. The new bridge will be constructed to current engineering standards on the same alignment over the Condamine River North Branch," Mayor McDonald said.
"Council recognises the importance of Melrose Road and the bridge to the agricultural industry, particularly for the transport of agricultural produce and the movement of farming machinery.
"In addition to improving the structural integrity of the bridge the project will also improve safety for road users, with improvements to road approaches, signage, and line-marking. Construction work will start with the demolition of the old timber bridge in the second week of April 2024."
Melrose Road will need to be closed until December 2024, weather permitting, to allow demolition of the old bridge, construction of the new bridge and associated roadworks to be carried out safely.
Detours will be in place via Brookstead-Norwin Road, Branchview Road, Ladner Road and Pampas-Horrane Road. Signage will be in place to assist road users.
Council apologises for any inconvenience and thanks the community for its patience and co-operation during these works.
