Joint media release: S Todd Bridge upgrade delivering better flood resilience, safety and accessibility

Motorists' patience with 'roads works' resulting from significant investments in bridge upgrades across the Scenic Rim, is now being repaid in better, safer travel.

Continued works on regional bridge and road networks as a result of a joint funding arrangement between the Australian Government and Scenic Rim Regional Council, has delivered bridge upgrades in recent months.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport and Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz said the Bridges Renewal Program was a boom for investment in the Scenic Rim.

“The completion of these new bridges will reduce the number of timber structures currently maintained by the Scenic Rim Regional Council which is a great outcome for residents, for ratepayers in the region,” Mr Buchholz said.

“Upgrading Bridges is more than just improving freight efficiency and making roads safer. It also reduces the maintenance burden on Councils and ensures local road networks remain open in times of flood, making the network more reliable,” Mr Buchholz said.

“The region is growing and we’re seeing more businesses expand. Having improved roads and bridges is reassuring for the likes of Gelita, AJ Bush and SatCivil, who rely on the corridor for business continuity,” Mr Buchholz said.

Cr Christensen said the latest bridge completion would see the total timber bridges reduce to 63 in a network of 130.

“Working with the Australian Government, through the Bridges Renewal Program we are replacing dangerous, degraded timber bridges across the region.

“From recent experiences, flood and fire, we know how important the bridges are to ensuring locals can navigate the road network, to get from home to their destination and back again.

“S Todd Bridge on Sandy Creek Road has been fully replaced, with a wider two-lane concrete bridge,” Cr Christensen said.

Councillor for Division Four, Michael Enright welcomed the completion of the bridges for locals.

“It is fantastic to see another bridge completed, ensuring locals and businesses in Josephville and Beaudesert are better connected.

“S Todd bridge was a joint project, an investment worth $3,404,380 and will see better flood resilience on Sandy Creek Road.

“This means a safer, more reliable road corridor for all,” Cr Enright said.

Ends.

Media contact:

Assistant Minister Buchholz – 0413 424 384

Scenic Rim Regional Council – 5540 5482

Further information:

Bridge name      Australian Government contribution     Total Cost

S Todd Bridge, Sandy Creek Road              $1,702,190           $3,404,380

Pictured (L-R): Cr Michael Enright, Division Four, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport and Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz and Mayor Greg Christensen.