Phillip Creek bridge: $18m upgrade given green light

A bridge which is a key access point for the Bowen Basin’s mining industry and local businesses is finally to be upgraded after a series of fatal and serious traffic crashes. See when it will start.

Crucial works to key Bowen Basin link Phillips Creek bridge given green light.

Details of an $18m overhaul to a key bridge in the heart of the Bowen Basin can be revealed as the critical upgrade is finally given the green light after months in limbo.

The Phillips Creek Bridge project is tipped to commence in late 2024 and will include two 3.5m wide lanes and two 1m wide shoulders that will be stronger and wider for the heavy vehicles that pommel the roadway.

There has been a long term push to revamp the bridge for years with a replacement expected to make the highway safer and more flood resilient with heavy rain sparking closures of the low-lying bridge each year.

And recently those calls for the crucial work were renewed following the death of Chris Goodwin on Father’s Day 2023 when the 4WD he was driving collided with a coal truck and trailer on Saraji Rd, near the bridge which is a major thoroughfare between Moranbah and Dysart.

Photos show the shocking aftermath of a serious crash involving two utes and a tanker on Saraji Rd near Phillips Creek bridge on July 4. Picture: Supplied

The publication revealed the necessary $18m had been earmarked for the project, to be delivered by Isaac Regional Council, since late 2022 – in fact Capricornia MP Michelle Landry had announced the $14.4m (80 per cent) Federal contribution in February 2022.

However it had come under scrutiny under Infrastructure Minister Catherine King’s 90 Day Infrastructure Pipeline Review.

The notorious stretch, which is used heavily by major mining and freight industries, has been the scene of multiple crashes and it is estimated the closure of the bridge can cost the mining industry $12m a day.

The LNP announced its $14.4m commitment to replace the Phillips Creek Bridge in February 2022.

It has now been confirmed the bridge will be replaced as part of an $18m upgrade with Federal Government maintaining its $14.4m contribution towards the replacement and State Government the remaining $3.6m needed for the project.

As well as dual, wider lanes, the bridge will also have improved approached and increased deck height for safer travel and flood immunity.

A horror crash on Saraji Rd near Phillips Creek bridge on Father‘s Day, September 3, claimed the life of beloved husband and father Chris Goodwin.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said she was “thrilled to see this major road project come to fruition”.

“Council has advocated for this project for several years … the new bridge will improve safety, flood mitigation and load capacity to meet the needs of all road users,” Ms Baker said.

“This is a positive outcome for our region as we continue to push for increased funding to deliver better roads.

“I want to acknowledge the many, many local businesses and other stakeholders who have been part of the journey to win funding for the bridge upgrade. It has been a team effort which has finally succeeded.”

Now the funding has been confirmed the next step will be finalising tenders and awarding a contract for the work by mid-2024 with an expected finish date of mid to late 2025, pending procurement processes and weather conditions.

“The replacement of Phillips Creek Bridge will ensure community and industry are able to access safer, more resilient roads in the heart of the Bowen Basin,” Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said.

“Regional Queensland plays a vital role in powering our economy and this investment reflects our government’s commitment to infrastructure in the Isaac region.”