New bridge is a $42.9m joke

TRAFFIC was gridlocked on Mackay roads yesterday morning because one of the city's newest main roads was closed.

The flooded Fursden Creek. Picture: Peter Holt

TRAFFIC was gridlocked on Mackay roads yesterday morning because one of the city's newest main roads was closed.

The $42.9 million Edmund Casey Bridge was closed to motorists due to floodwater inundating Fursden Creek bridge which approaches the Edmond Casey Bridge.

It's not the first time drivers haven't been able to use the bridge since it was finished in April 2009.

A spokeswoman from the Department of Main Roads said there were no immediate plans to replace the Fursden Creek bridge due to limited funding.

But Mackay Tim Mulherin MP said he had spoken on the phone and would be writing a letter to Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace asking to prioritise the bridge for funding.

Motorists are frustrated and one of those motorists is Mackay Regional Council deputy mayor Darryl Camilleri.

Cr Camilleri said traffic congestion costs could have a significant impact on business and the community.

“A situation like the Fursden Creek causeway creates traffic delays and unnecessary frustration for motorists,” he said.

“It's an area that needs to be prioritised by Main Roads.”

He said council would look to lobby Main Roads and the State Government to urgently address the situation.

The Department of Main Roads spokeswoman said the main objective of the Hospital Bridge replacement project was to replace an ageing timber structure with a new concrete bridge to reduce maintenance and improve reliability.

“Funding constraints prevented inclusion of a project to upgrade the Fursden Creek bridge and the associated floodway,” she said.

“With previous flooding, the old hospital bridge and the Fursden Creek bridges would be closed for several days even after the flooding subsided to allow inspections and removal of debris.

“With the new bridge in place, the road is able to be reopened immediately after the floodwater subsides.

The Ron Camm Bridge is a flood-proof corridor which connects motorists in north and south Mackay and should be used in times of flooding.”

The Glenella Connection Road was opened late yesterday afternoon for northbound traffic as water levels dropped at Fursden Creek.

Originally published as New bridge is a $42.9m joke