Phillips Creek Bridge replacement could begin mid 2024

Crucial upgrades to a horror stretch of road in the Bowen Basin where a beloved husband and father recently lost his life could begin in mid 2024 if given the green light. But one thing stands in the way.

Crucial upgrades to a horror stretch of road in the Bowen Basin where a beloved husband and father recently lost his life could begin in mid 2024 if given the green light.

But Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King has not confirmed yet if the project will go ahead following an independent review.

On Father’s Day, September 3, Chris Goodwin, 45, died when the 4WD he was driving collided with a coal truck and trailer on Saraji Rd, not far from the Phillips Creek Bridge, catastrophically crushing the smaller vehicle about 4.30am.

And in July Saraji Rd near the bridge was closed for about 11 hours after a multi vehicle crash between two utes and a tanker, which crushed the two smaller vehicles.

These incidents occurred as millions earmarked to replace Phillips Creek Bridge sit in limbo in the face of ongoing calls to upgrade Bowen Basin roads, which encounter unique pressures including large volumes of traffic from mines and heavy vehicles used to haul coal.

Chris Goodwin tragically died with the ute he was driving and a road train collided on Saraji Rd on Father's Day.

The bridge, considered a key road link connecting Moranbah and Dysart, has been the subject of a huge funding push.

The project will be delivered by Isaac Regional Council.

As of late 2022 both Federal and State Governments had committed the necessary $18m towards upgrading the major mining thoroughfare, however the project was stalled this year after it was scrutinised under the 90 Day Infrastructure Pipeline Review.

As of late 2022 both Federal and State Governments had committed the necessary $18m towards upgrading the major mining thoroughfare.

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry has called on Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King for the urgent release of the outcome.

Both she and Isaac Regional Council made submissions to the review, which Ms Landry said ended weeks ago.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development of Australia, Catherine King during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Ms King said the Australian Government commissioned an independent review into federal infrastructure spending so “we can confirm which investments are actually delivering benefits … and contributing to government priorities, including significantly reduced road trauma,” Ms King said.

“Any lives lost on our roads are a tragedy, especially for our close-knit regional communities who bear the brunt of road trauma.”

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

“We understand from Isaac Regional Council that designs for Phillips Creek Bridge Replacement are progressing with a view to construction commencing mid next year.”

Ms King has received the review’s recommendations and is considering them in detail.

She said the Government would have more to say about the review in the coming weeks.

“We are committed to working with the Queensland Government and local councils to deliver the highest priority transport infrastructure projects,” she said.

Originally published as Phillips Creek Bridge replacement could begin mid 2024