OLLERA CK: Army to deliver ‘temporary’ single lane bridge
A critical Bruce Hwy bridge north of Townsville catastrophically damaged by flood water will be temporarily replaced by a single-lane army bridge – but it won’t support heavy vehicles.
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A critical Bruce Hwy bridge north of Townsville catastrophically damaged by flood water will be temporarily replaced by a single-lane army bridge.
The Kratzman Bridge over Ollera Ck collapsed on Sunday afternoon when rising floodwaters started to undermine it.
Its left residents on the other side completely cut off from the outside world except for a still-standing railway bridge that can be crossed on foot – but is being closely monitored by police.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Wednesday, February 5, that the Australian Defence Force was working with Queensland authorities to figure out how a temporary bridge structure could be safely delivered.
The temporary bridge will help with resupply efforts but will not be able to support heavy vehicles (trucks).
The collapse of the Bruce Hwy at Ollera Creek is a critical problem because there is no alternative road for traffic to be diverted via, due to the area being closely surrounded on either side by steep mountains and the ocean.
Residents trapped on the northern side of the bridge collapse are also blocked in by Ingham floodwaters to the north.
WHERE IS THE OLLERA CK BRIDGE?
Speaking in Ingham on Wednesday, Queensland premier David Crissafulli said roads remains a massive challenge.
“We’ve all seen Ollera Ck and the lack of connectivity there and the fact we’ve got people going from one side of the bridge to the other by foot to then go and get in to help their fellow Queenslanders,” Mr Crissafulli said.
“We are here, we have lots to do, and we’re not going anywhere until it’s done. Power, water, food … we’re going to be with you for the long haul and get you back on your feet.”
The Crystal Creek Servo reopened despite the bridge collapse, as did the Frosty Mango.
The Servo started rationing customers at 40L per person to make the fuel supply last after going through 4000L of petrol on Tuesday, which left them with only 700L in the tanks.
The Servo has no bread, milk or eggs left, and is being run by a generator organised by the Crystal Creek Caravan Park.
Residents in Paluma and Hidden Valley are also experiencing complete isolation and are reporting multiple landslides blocking the roads.
No timeline on when the temporary bridge will be built has been given.
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Originally published as OLLERA CK: Army to deliver ‘temporary’ single lane bridge
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