TMR reveals how long it will take to reopen Mt Crosby, Ipswich overpass

Work has begun to reopen the southbound lane of the Mt Crosby Rd overpass to traffic, three weeks after a truck carrying a huge wind turbine became stuck underneath.

The southbound lane of the Mt Crosby Rd overpass in Ipswich’s north is expected to reopen to traffic in the first week of July after frustrating traffic delays since a truck carrying a huge wind turbine struck the bridge last month.

An over-size truck was travelling west on the Warrego Hwy when it became wedged under the bridge overnight on May 16, damaging girders beneath the southbound lanes.

The northbound lane was reopened to traffic on May 20, with weight and speed restrictions, and the Warrego Hwy westbound was also quickly reopened.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) said it began work yesterday to re-open the southbound lane of the bridge, which would likely take four weeks if weather permitted.

Work would occur from 8pm to 5am and during those hours the northbound lane would be closed to all traffic, with detours in place.

The closure of the northbound lane was needed so crews could reconfigure the road.

As part of the reconfiguration works, the footpath on the western side of the overpass would be removed and the roadway widened.

TMR regional director Melanie Dei Rossi said she understood the major impact the overpass closure has had on residents north of the Warrego Hwy in Karalee, Chuwar and Mount Crosby, who needed to travel into Ipswich for work and school.

The truck carrying the turbine. Picture: TMR

“We are pleased to announce that works have commenced to restore southbound traffic flow on the overpass, helping to get these communities moving again,’’ she said.

“Further works will be required to address the damaged girders.

“But these initial works will allow vehicles to operate in both directions on the overpass, helping road users reach their destinations.”

Police said recently they were investigating the incident and the logistics company which operated the truck said it was fully co-operating with them.

TMR also would investigate and said it had the power to recover costs for repairs to the overpass, ironically only recently approved for an upgrade by the federal government.

Originally published as TMR reveals how long it will take to reopen Mt Crosby, Ipswich overpass