The Albanese Labor Government continues to invest in bridge and road improvements across regional and rural Australia, as part of its commitment to boost freight productivity and to improve road safety outcomes.
Over $33.7 million will flow to 16 projects, from the Lower Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, Rockhampton in Queensland, through to the Shire of Merredin in Western Australia.
Over $18.8 million will support upgrading old and worn timber bridges to modern structures that can take more weight, are better equipped for major weather events, and are safer for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Projects include:
- $5 million to replace the timber bridge on Purga School Road with an industry-standard two-lane structure in Purga, Queensland.
- Over $3 million to replace four single-lane bridges on Bass Valley Road in Poowong, Victoria.
- Over $1 million to construct a two-way concrete bridge on Brownlow Hill Loop Road in Brownlow Hill, NSW.
More than $14.8 million will support improvements to roads used in freight routes, including the installation of intersections, widening roads, sealing roads and installing safety barriers - to increase the productivity and safety of heavy vehicle operations.
Projects include:
- Almost $3 million to upgrade Carcuma Road in Coorong District, South Australia, allowing larger, more efficient trucks to use the road.
- Over $2.6 million to upgrade the Merredin Wheat Precinct in Western Australia, including intersection widening, closure of an intersection, auxiliary turning lanes, railway crossing widening and pavement strengthening.
- Over $2.5 million to upgrade a 3.4 kilometre section of Golconda Road between Little Forester River and North Blumont Road in Tasmania, including rebuilding key sections along with widening and other safety improvements.
To support local councils continue to deliver high-priority road safety improvements, the Government has established the new, $200 million Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program - which includes $50 million in additional funding. This program is now open for applications.
