The Government of Queensland in Australia has announced the opening of the new Vines Creek Bridge as part of the Mackay-Slade Point Road bridge upgrade programme.

The A$28m ($21.9m) project involves the replacement of two bridges at Vines Creek, both of which will serve as important links to the Port of Mackay.

Member for Mackay Julianne Gilbert said: “The Vines Creek Bridges are the only way in and out of the Mackay Port for heavy vehicles, making them critical pieces of infrastructure in the region’s transport network.

“The new bridge is great news for the Port as it will allow for a heavy loads using the bridge, and will extend the Higher Mass Limit route from the Bruce to the Port for the first time.

“This will open up the opportunity for vehicles to carry a larger load, meaning less wear and tear on vehicles and more importantly a boost to productivity with fewer trips required.”

“The Vines Creek Bridges are the only way in and out of the Mackay Port for heavy vehicles, making them critical pieces of infrastructure in the region’s transport network.”

The project also includes the demolition and replacement of the second bridge.

Gilbert stated that the replacement of the two bridges on Mackay-Slade Point Road is on track and expected to be completed by March next year.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey stated that the project is expected to provide multiple other benefits, including improved and dedicated cyclist and pedestrian facilities.

The completed bridges will also have an additional 1m surge protection.

Works that would begin to demolish and replace the second bridge have been staged this way to maintain two-way traffic throughout the project.