Work kicks off at Sandy Gully

SEPTEMBER 27, 2016: We've turned the sod to mark the commencement of work on the Sandy Gully Bridge upgrade north of Bowen today, and this $57 million project will improve safety and flood immunity on this 3.7 kilometre stretch of the Bruce Highway.The project will create in excess of 100 jobs, and I was happy to see this work was awarded to a Mackay-based business, Vassallo Constructions.This section of the Bruce Highway floods regularly in bad weather and closures can seriously impact on drivers in the region.That includes locals and tourists, as well as workers supporting the mining industry and freight operators shifting agricultural produce.Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the $57 million bridge upgrade would deliver a road capable of remaining open in all but a one-in-50-year flood.“Replacing this bridge and improving its flood immunity will help keep the highway open for all traffic, including heavy vehicles and other motorists accessing the Port of Abbot Point,” Mr Chester said.“Making this section of the highway safer and more reliable will also benefit the rest of the state by keeping our freight trucks moving instead of being held up by flooded sections.” The Australian Government will provide $46 million to the Sandy Gully Bridge Upgrade, with the Queensland Government providing $11 million. Construction is expected to be completed by March 2018, weather permitting.