Ageing Cox Bridge set to have complete $5m overhaul to redevelop thoroughfare

An ageing Southern Downs thoroughfare is set to receive a massive reconstruction, estimated to cost $5m and to be completed within the next two years. See the details.

An ageing bridge is a major concern to council as they seek a grant from the federal government to help fund planned upgrades.

Warwick’s Cox Bridge, west of Warwick Turf Club on Victoria St, has been underwater before and council hopes significant work will futureproof the bridge well into the next decade.

Submerged during flooding in 2011, the bridge is an integral part of the city’s road network with thousands of vehicles passing over it each day.

The Southern Downs Regional Council said in a statement Thursday the reconstruction would be a “priority renewal project as the structure is reaching the end of its life”.

A report by council discovered the bridge was currently in “very poor condition”.

Location of Cox Bridge, west Warwick, above the mighty Condamine River (Photo: SDRC)

The project is expected to cost an estimated $5m, with the council preparing an application for a grant to receive funding from the federal government to complete the project.

The council said the project was a priority “due its age and condition” and that will have improved flood resilience and provide a safe alternative route through town in emergency situations.

“The federal government has offered grants to replace ageing bridge structures on an 80:20 basis. Other funding streams may be sourced as council’s 20 per cent contribution,” the statement said.

Cox Bridge underwater in 2011's flood event (Photo: File)

“The new bridge will also provide safer vehicle, cycle and pedestrian traffic.”

It’s a part of a move from the SDRC to replace ageing infrastructure that would otherwise require load limiting or become un-trafficable in the next 5 to 10 years.

The council said the progression of this project would be dependent on grant funding, with no mock-up or initial designs available at this stage.

It is expected that the project will be completed by June 2025.

The council has also said upgrades to the Warwick Saleyards can be expected as soon as 2024, with council awarding a construction tender in recent weeks.

It is understood the project is expected to be completed by mid-2024 in two stages, at a total cost of $7.5m co-funded by council and the Australian government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant.

Southern Downs' $7+ million dollar upgrade project on the saleyards is expected to begin soon and be completed by mid-2024 (Photo: SDRC)

“The Warwick Saleyards is a major economic pillar in the identity of the Southern Downs and the facility has been connecting our rural and agricultural community with stock and station agents for more than 60 years,” mayor Vic Pennisi said.

“However, the livestock industry has evolved since the saleyards started operating and there is no question that development is needed to ensure the region has quality facilities which meet current animal welfare standards and industry trends.”

Check out our megalist of all the massive projects coming to the Rose City and wider region in 2024 here: Inside the multimillion dollar construction and infrastructure projects coming to the Southern Downs

Originally published as Ageing Cox Bridge set to have complete $5m overhaul to redevelop thoroughfare