Sandy Gully Bridge upgrade reaches new phase

MAY 5, 2015: PROGRESS towards a more flood resistant Bruce Highway is continuing with Aurecon Australasia selected to commence the detailed design phase of the $57 million Sandy Gully Bridge upgrade project. The upgrade near Bowen will deliver a road able to withstand a one in 50 year event.This particular section of the Bruce Highway is regularly closed during bad weather, which has a serious effect on locals, tourists and heavy vehicles travelling through the region.That includes freight operators shifting coal and agricultural produce to domestic and international markets, many of which are reliant on timeliness to remain competitive.For those travelling to Abbot Point Port this upgrade will be a boon for business operations.There's the added bonus of 100 direct jobs for local workers over the life of this project.The 3.6 kilometre section will see a new two lane bridge being constructed and improvements to three key intersections.Construction on this project is expected to commence in mid-2016.  The Australian Government has committed $46 million to the jointly funded project, with the Queensland Government funding the remaining $11 million.