18 rail bridges in Queensland to get $28m upgrade
The Queensland Government in Australia will invest almost $28 million to upgrade 18 ageing rail bridges on the West Moreton rail network between Ipswich and Chinchilla.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the works would support nearly 200 jobs, with local company Moggill Construction awarded the contract.
He said the upgrades would focus on improving the safety and reliability of the bridges.
“Each year approximately 7,000 passenger and freight trains travel on this line, supporting the local tourism economy, agriculture and resource sectors,” Mr Bailey said.
“The West Moreton system is a critical link for rail services from Brisbane to the west and south west communities of the state and is a major artery to the Darling Downs, which is predominantly used to transport thermal coal and grains.
“This project will kick off in March and will include replacing 18 timber rail bridges with stronger, more durable steel girders, to improve the reliability of the West Moreton rail line and also significantly reduce the time spent on maintenance.”
Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said the investment was an example of the Palaszczuk Government supporting regional communities.
“These upgrade works reinforce the government’s commitment to modernising and investing in the regional rail network across the state, to ensure we continue to support regional industries with a safe and reliable rail network for years to come,” Mr Madden said.
“The West Moreton line is also home to the iconic Westlander, which journeys through some of the state’s most picturesque outback regions.
“We’re proud to continually support tourism in the West Moreton region, and to help in keeping these communities connected.
“Queensland company Moggill Construction will source building material and plant hire from local suppliers wherever possible.
“We remain committed to utilising local suppliers and local commercial operators wherever possible to boost jobs within the regions.”
The upgrade works are expected to be completed by 2020 and will significantly reduce time and costs spent on maintenance and inspections.
The new project follows the upgrade of five timber rail bridges on the Ipswich/Rosewood line at Karrabin, Walloon, Rosewood, Sadliers Crossing and Thagoona which were replaced with more durable, concrete structures between 2015-2016 to improve the reliability and safety of services on this rail corridor.
Approximate locations of bridges set for upgrades include:
- 2.5km NE of Dalby
- 9km NW of Toowoomba
- 28km SE of Chinchilla (7km NW of Warra)
- 10km SE of Laidley
- 2km W of Forest Hill
- 4km SE of Helidon
- 1km SE of Helidon (three bridges)
- 2km SE of Murphys Creek
- 3.5km E of Murphys Creek
- 1.5km SW of Rosewood
- 5km SW of Rosewood
- Grandchester
- Laidley
- 1km SE of Grandchester
- 1.5km NW of Laidley
- 9.5km SE of Warra.
