Queensland authorities have announced a project to build a new bridge to improve flood resilience. 

Seqwater says construction will soon be underway on a vehicle bridge which will become the new crossing for traffic to replace the existing Mt Crosby Weir Bridge.

The existing single-lane weir bridge, which crosses the Brisbane River to connect Kholo and Mt Crosby, has been earmarked to be converted into a pedestrian pathway, with the new dual-lane bridge built alongside it for vehicle traffic.

The multi-million-dollar project is part of the East Bank Flood Resilience Program – a program of work to improve flood resilience and connectivity within the growing area.

Queensland Minister for Water Glenn Butcher says the new bridge will not only improve traffic flow, but also provide greater flood resilience.

“The new bridge will be built almost three-metres higher than the existing bridge and is designed to better withstand flooding and recover from being inundated, should the unlikely event occur,” Mr Butcher said.

“The dual lane will also improve the flow of traffic for the growing community and ensure that large vehicles such as trucks and buses can cross safely.”   

The construction contract for the new bridge was recently awarded to BMD Constructions, with construction expected to begin in the coming months and completed before the end of 2023.

Seqwater chief Neil Brennan says that while the work moves ahead on the new bridge, efforts are also progressing to repair and reopen the existing Mt Crosby Weir Bridge, which was significantly damaged during the extreme weather event in late-February this year. 

“Engineering assessments have been completed to assess the damage and we are now working to repair and reopen the bridge to traffic,” Mr Brennan said.

“We realise this is an inconvenience for motorists who use the bridge regularly and appreciate their patience while we work to make the bridge safe for travel once again.”

Mr Brennan said once the new bridge is built, the 96-year-old Mount Crosby Weir Bridge will be repurposed as a cycle and walkway to improve the local amenity and retain its historical significance.