IF YOU frequent the Bruce Highway between Nambour and Maroochydore, it is worth noting that demolition of the original overpass is set to commence later this month (January 20).
The original tow-lane concrete bridge, connecting Nambour and Maroochydore over the highway, was built in the 1990 as part of the Nambour Bypass, and has since been replaced by a new, two-span one that will carry four lanes of traffic, including active transport facilities for bike riders and pedestrians.
Weather and construction conditions permitting, crew will commence demolishing the old bridge from 7pm Friday, January 20 and work continuously through to 5am Monday, January 23. To maintain the safety of motorists, all Bruce Highway traffic will be detoured through the Maroochydore Road interchange.
The old bridge consists of one large concrete structure, which sits above four lanes of the Bruce Highway traffic. The demolition work will involve excavators working to remove the structure, with more than 80 per cent of the discarded material expected to be repurposed for future road projects.
Motorists are advised to expect significant delays at the Maroochydore Road interchange and encouraged to avoid the area if possible. Extra time should be allowed for journeys.
“Demolition of the old Maroochydore Road interchange bridge will be a complex job – as it was built as one large concrete structure, it needs to be removed in one process,” said State Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey.
“As always, we appreciate the public’s ongoing patience and co-operation while this important road project is underway.”
Transport and Main Roads appreciates roadworks can be frustrating for surrounding residents and businesses and every effort will be made to minimise the impacts of the demolition on the community.
In the lead-up to the weekend works, traffic travelling from Maroochydore Road to Nambour Connection Road has been realigned onto the newly upgraded, westbound bridge to enable the demolition to take place.
The jointly funded, $301.25 million project includes upgrading both the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges and providing two-way service roads on the eastern and western sides of the Bruce Highway for local traffic.
When complete, the project will improve safety and efficiency and significantly increase capacity at the Mons Road and Maroochydore Road interchanges and along this section of the highway.
This project is jointly funded on an 80:20 basis, with the Australian Government contributing $241 million and the Queensland Government contributing $60.25 million. The project is expected to be completed in mid 2023 (weather and construction conditions permitting). It is estimated to support an average of 380 direct jobs over the life of the project.