Project Update – Bremer River Bridge (Westbound), Karalee
Bremer River Bridge (Westbound), Repair and Traffic Signal Installation Works
Update: February 2024
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will be undertaking minor repairs and traffic signal installation works on the Bremer River Bridge (westbound) on the Warrego Highway.
These works are being undertaken because TMR has identified cracks in some steel elements of the Warrego Highway’s Bremer River Bridge (westbound), and to ensure the bridge remains safe for all road users while investigations are being undertaken to plan the next steps of the bridge repair.
The installation of traffic signals at the median cross overs will allow oversized and over mass heavy vehicles to traverse the eastbound side of the bridge without the need for traffic controllers.
Work activities
- Installation of traffic signals for the median crossovers
- Welding repairs, scour repairs, joints and bearing cleaning works.
Timing
- Traffic signal installation: works are currently underway to install traffic signals for the median cross overs. These will continue until the end of March 2024.
- Bridge repair: works will be undertaken at night between 8pm to 5am, Sunday to Thursday, commencing late-February until mid-2024, weather permitting. Night works are required for road user safety, and to avoid what would otherwise be extensive traffic queuing and disruption to the road network.
- Some day works may be required.
Expected impacts
- Nearby residents and businesses can expect delays while lane closures and traffic restrictions are in place.
- Heavy Vehicles and speed restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
- While majority of the works will be undertaken at night, some occasional work will be undertaken during the day.
- A long-term speed limit reduction to 70km/h on the eastbound carriageway.
Motorists
- During work hours speed will reduce to 60km/h between 8pm and 5am.
- It is expected that the reduced speed limit of 70km/h on the eastbound carriageway will be in place long term while this bridge work and further investigations are being undertaken.
- Please allow extra time when planning your travel and follow the directions of roadside signage and traffic controllers.
Every effort will be made to minimise impacts on the local community and surrounds.
TMR appreciates your patience and cooperation while these important works are carried out.
Original: December 2024
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has undertaken structural inspections of the Bremer River Bridge (westbound) on the Warrego Highway at Karalee.
Initial inspections have identified that fatigue cracks exist in the steel girders and further investigation is currently being undertaken. Once these investigations are finalised TMR will undertake any required works. TMR will be progressing with short-term and medium-term solutions.
To ensure road user safety, TMR has imposed travel conditions, and load restrictions and reduced speed limits will continue to be in place on the westbound bridge.
Work activities
- Ongoing heavy vehicles compliance checks by Transport Inspectors.
- Ongoing night time traffic management for over size and over mass vehicles to use the cross over facilities.
The following will take place weather and construction conditions permitting:
- Line re-marking at the Ashburn Road merging lane and Bremer River westbound bridge (mid-December 2023 to mid-January 2024).
- Speed camera installation (mid-November 2023 to mid-December 2023).
- Bridge monitoring equipment installation (mid-November 2023 to late-December 2023).
- Installation of traffic signals for the cross overs (early December 2023 to late January 2024).
- Short-term bridge repair works (early 2024 to mid-2024).
Timing
At all times:
- Heavy vehicles including B-Doubles and A-Doubles are restricted to travel on the westbound bridge left lane only.
- Variable messaging will be in place to advise detours and access points to businesses.
Nightly between 10pm – 4am:
- Over size and over mass vehicles are able to use the cross over facilities and will be directed via Traffic control.
Expected impacts
Motorists
- Speed limit is reduced to 60km/h on the westbound carriageway at all times.
- Speed limit is reduced to 60km/h on the eastbound carriageway between 10pm and 4am each night.
- Light vehicles are able to use both lanes.
- Please follow the direction of traffic control and road signage.
Detours:
- Ashburn Road exit onto the Warrego Highway adjacent to the Bundamba Travel Centre remains closed until late December 2023. Transport inspectors are onsite to assist with compliance and traffic management to ensure the safety of workers and road users.
- Detours are via Ashburn Road entry ramp, Dinmore, and signage and traffic control are in place.
- TMR intends to move to electronic surveillance of Heavy Vehicle compliance in the new year, and removing closures on Ashburn Road entry ramp.
Heavy vehicle restrictions:
- Heavy Vehicle, over size and over mass vehicles restrictions are in place, please visit National Heavy VR Portal for the most up to date information.
- Queensland Police Service and Transport Inspectors are onsite to ensure heavy vehicles comply with the current load and speed restrictions to ensure safety of onsite workers.
- Two lanes will be open for light vehicles and Heavy vehicles including B-Doubles and A-Doubles are restricted to travel on the westbound bridge left lane only at all times.
Businesses
- Nearby residents and businesses can expect delays while lane closures and traffic restrictions are in place.
- Variable Message Signage boards will be in place to advise of lane closures and direct traffic to businesses as required.
Every effort will be made to minimise impacts on the local community and surrounds. As further information becomes available, TMR will continue to update the community.
TMR appreciates your patience and cooperation while these important works are carried out.