More than 3400 tonnes of precast concrete will be lifted into place as part of the $2.3 billion M1 upgrade project in Queensland.
Night time diversion will be put into place along a 5.5 kilometre stretch of the M1 to allow cranes to lift 52 concrete girders and begin work on a new four-lane bridge over the M1 at Underwood.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the Underwood Road Bridge demonstrated the State Government’s commitment to build a better M1 between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
“The heavy lifting of the first bridge girder is concrete evidence of our commitment to reduce travel times for motorists,” Bailey said.
“Moving the new bridge’s 52 girders, each weighing 65 tonnes, into place isn’t a small task.
“It requires precision and expert engineering to get the job done and ensure motorists spend more time with family doing the things they enjoy, sooner.”
Federal Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Minister Alan Tudge said the new bridge was a significant milestone for the $195.3 million M1/M3/Gateway merge upgrade.
“Major construction on the new Underwood Road bridge – which only started in September last year – will bust congestion and get motorists home sooner and safer,” Tudge said.
“I have travelled around the area, and have seen the M1/M3/Gateway merge project continue to progress it will be a huge benefit for south east Queensland motorists.”
Federal Member for Forder Bert van Manen said works for this crucial stage had been designed to minimise disruption to motorists during peak times with the hoisting of the precast girders at night.
“Seeing large girders in the air signals we’re making good progress on our goal to open the new, four-lane Underwood bridge to traffic late this year,” van Manen said.
“I want to thank motorists for their patience while this important upgrade is underway and remind drivers to be aware of changes to road conditions.”
Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said the first girder lift would be a welcome sight for the local community.
“Our community is feeling a lot of relief seeing the next big step in the M1 upgrade being delivered. Moving the new bridge’s 52 girders into place isn’t just a construction task, it marks a turning point in our local history where we can see the light at the end of the congestion tunnel,” Mr de Brenni said.
“The bridge widening follows the upgrade of the Underwood Road and School Road intersection and signals an exciting future for local bus commuters and motorists alike.”
The Federal Government has contributed $115 million alongside the Queensland Government’s contribution of $80.3 million for the jointly funded project.