General News
11 August, 2023
Traffic delays on old bridge
THE latest round of testing and maintenance works on the ageing Barron River bridge at Kuranda has started while the Department of Transport and Main Roads plans for a long-term solution for the structure.
Motorists can expect delays of up to 10 minutes from Monday (August 14) until Saturday, September 9.
In October 2020, inspections identified fatigue cracks in some steel elements of the 60-year-old bridge. The cracks were caused by many years of impacts from heavy vehicles, which are now much heavier than when the bridge was designed and built in the early 1960s.
The department’s planning study includes:
• A long-term solution for the bridge considering an alternative route between Cairns and the Tablelands
• Options to improve safety for pedestrians and bike riders
• Future traffic needs
• Solution for heavy vehicles
• Environmental impacts.
A department spokesman said in March 2023 the preliminary evaluation stage of the planning was completed. “In this stage, we analysed options for a long-term solution for the bridge to determine suitability through transport modelling, environmental, economic, and construction assessments,” he said.
“The preferred options must meet the objectives of improved safety, environmental sustainability, network efficiency and connectivity, and ensure the best value for money.
“The three highest ranked options are now being investigated in more detail. The next stage of the planning, the business case, is expected to be completed in 2024.
“In the meantime, we are continuing to monitor the bridge via a detailed inspection and monitoring program to ensure it will remain safe and operational.”
The spokesman said the new round of testing and works started on July 31 and continued until Saturday, September 9, weather permitting.
“Crews will be on site between 7am and 5pm (including Saturday and Sunday),” he said.
“Changed traffic conditions will be in place during the works, including a single-lane operation of the bridge.
“From Monday, August 14 until Saturday, September 9 short intermittent full closures of up to 10 minutes will be required between 9am and 3pm.
The department has called for expressions of interest to provide temporary access to the structure. “This will minimise traffic disruption on the bridge during inspection and testing works that need to occur about every three months,” the spokesman said.
