Outdated bridge to be fast-tracked for upgrades

A bridge linking two fast-growing suburbs that’s long been earmarked for upgrades will at last be shovel-ready by Christmas.

A bridge linking two fast-growing suburbs that’s long been earmarked for upgrades will at last be shovel-ready by Christmas, Ninderry MP Dan Purdie says. PHOTO: FILE

A BRIDGE linking two fast-growing suburbs that’s long been earmarked for upgrades will be shovel-ready by Christmas, Ninderry MP Dan Purdie says.

The single-lane Caboolture Cr Bridge at Bli Bli, which runs along Yandina-Bli Bli Rd, has been the subject of frustration from residents who use it.

They say it is unsafe and overdue upgrades.

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Mr Purdie said the “significant” project was of critical importance due to its age and condition and because it flooded seasonally.

He wrote a letter to Transport Minister Mark Bailey requesting the project be fast-tracked and included in the Commonwealth’s Bridges Renewal Program.

The State Government has invested $690,000 for the replacement design as part of TMR’s Bridge Renewal Program, which will deliver improved safety, better value for money, and improvements to flood immunity.

A bridge linking two fast-growing suburbs that’s long been earmarked for upgrades will at last be shovel-ready by Christmas, Ninderry MP Dan Purdie says. Photo: Patrick Woods.

“This is a great outcome for the local community. However, I am aware that funding for the construction has not yet been allocated,” Mr Purdie said in his letter.

“Given the State Government’s commitment to jobs and getting Queenslanders back to work, I would love to see this project fast-tracked.

“I appreciate the short time frame. However, given the need to kickstart the economy at this time, and the need to invest in the regions, I believe this project represents an ideal opportunity.”

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Mr Purdie said former Nicklin MP Peter Wellington had had designs drawn up to the tune of $40-50 million but that they were too complex.

He said it would have been “impossible” to get funding for an “unrealistic” plan.

“The bigger concern is the crashes, not flooding,” Mr Purdie said.

“I went back to the department with a more cost-effective and realistic option that I hope will be shovel-ready by later in the year.

“We are waiting on the final design but it will be a lot more affordable.

“Bli Bli has grown substantially and this bridge links the suburb to Yandina, but the bridge is no longer suitable. It needs to be safer.”

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