Bridge lift puts Daly Rd upgrade ahead of schedule
Date published: 7 October 2015
Construction on the $40 million Dalrymple Road upgrade reached another major milestone today after the final concrete decking span was lifted into place on the project’s two bridges.
The lift completes the substructures of the bridges and puts the overall construction two months ahead of the original expected final completion date of June next year.
Federal Member for Herbert Ewen Jones, Townsville City Council Infrastructure Committee chairman Cr Trevor Roberts, and Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper were on hand to watch the lift.
Mr Jones said it was pleasing to see the bridges taking shape and that construction was running smoothly and well ahead of time.
"Local motorists will be able to benefit from the improved Dalrymple road crossing much earlier than anticipated, thanks to favourable conditions for construction," Mr Jones said.
"After so many years of being cut off during the wet season, Dalrymple Road will be upgraded to an all-weather, dependable access in Townsville’s road network, something very important to a growing city like ours."
Cr Roberts said the council’s project management team and major contractor BMD Constructions were taking full advantage of the favourable building conditions.
"While the dry hasn’t been good for city’s water situation, it’s been a big plus for the construction crews," Cr Roberts said.
"Everyone working on the project has been going non-stop from Day 1 to get as much done as possible before the traditional wet season months. Completing the substructures for the bridges is a major achievement by the project team, BMD and all of the sub-contractors working on the project."
Mr Harper said the works are a great example of all levels of government working together to deliver real outcomes for local residents.
"This important upgrade will deliver improved safety for residents and visitors to our region alike. As well as the ongoing benefits of better access and improved safety, it’s also delivered an economic boost to the area with local jobs."
October will be a busy month with the commencement of Stage 3 of the Greater Ascot intersection, road pavements along the new section of Dalrymple Road and the construction on the connection of the new works to Dalrymple Road near Liberty Drive.
Motorists are asked to observe traffic directions and drive through the area with care.
The Dalrymple Road project is a partnership between the three levels of government with the Australian Government contributing $20 million, Queensland Government $5 million and the Townsville City Council providing the balance of the $40 million cost.
Work includes the construction of two bridges designed to withstand a one in 50 year flood event, and realignment of Dalrymple Road.
The project is also providing a boost for local jobs with 95% of work going to local contractors.
Key milestones of the project
- 209 bridge piles driven
- Substructure of two bridges completed
- Earthworks bulked in 172,000 tonnes (of a total of 200,000 tonnes)
- Construction Stage 1 (of 3) to Greater Ascot intersection completed
- Quantity of reinforcing steel tied to date – 410t
- Concrete placed to date – 1950m3 (approx. 4,700 total)
- Bridge Deck units placed to date – 246 units (total 451 units)
