Transport and Main Roads explains gaps in Toowoomba Bypass viaduct

Motorists have raised concerns about gaps appearing in the piers of the Toowoomba Bypass viaduct.  Now Transport and Main Roads have explained why.

TOOWOOMBA residents have raised concerns about gaps appearing in the piers of the Toowoomba Bypass viaduct, known as the Multuggerah Viaduct.

Several posts have appeared on social media showing a gap between the road and the first pier holding the viaduct up.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said those gaps were supposed to be there.

"There are 21 piers supporting the Toowoomba Bypass viaduct. Five of these piers have special bearing supports which enable the structure to move as it expands and contracts," the spokesperson said.

"From certain angles, these special supports can appear as a 'gap'.

"We can confirm these are normal and consistent with the structural design and feature in most large bridges or similar structures.

"The remaining piers are built to be integrated and do not allow movement.

"There are no safety concerns for motorists as this is part of the structural design."

The confirmation about the gaps on the viaduct come after Nexus, the company who built the Toowoomba Bypass, conducted repairs at the weekend to fix roughness issues on the road.

"This maintenance is an interim measure to ensure ongoing safety of the road surface in the most affected areas," A Nexus spokeswoman said.

 

 

"A long-term solution for the entire surface is currently being determined with those works expected to commence late in early 2020.

"The surface will continue to be monitored daily, to ensure ongoing safety for all road users."