Motorists using the westbound Bremer River Bridge on the Warrego Highway in Ipswich now face a reduced 60km/h speed limit and new travel conditions after serious cracking was discovered in the structure.
Following a structural inspection, the Department of Transportation and Main Roads (TMR) confirmed that “fatigue cracks exist in the steel girders.” Engineers suspect that the damage is probably a result of the bridge enduring heavy loads over the years, especially since many present-day trucks are significantly heavier than those for which the bridge was originally constructed to accommodate. The Bremer River Bridge started operating in 1958
Bridge Safety and Restrictions
While TMR has determined that the bridge remains safe for public use, several precautions have been implemented:
– Speed limit reduced to 60km/h for all vehicles
– Specific travel conditions for heavy and oversized vehicles
– Load restrictions for trucks
These measures aim to reduce the risk of crack growth and manage loads while further inspections are carried out.
Current Usage and Future Plans
The westbound bridge currently supports about 30,000 vehicles daily, including 4,000 heavy vehicles. To address the structural issues, TMR is undertaking the following actions:
– Immediate welding works to ensure ongoing safety
– Installation of crossovers in the centre median for oversize overmass (OSOM) vehicle movements
– Traffic signals for night-time OSOM vehicle crossings
Rehabilitation Project
A major rehabilitation project is planned to extend the life of the existing bridge structure:
– $85 million in total funding, jointly provided by the State and Federal Governments
– Re-decking of main bridge spans
– Propping works to restore original capacity
– Further strengthening works scheduled to begin in 2025
The speed and load restrictions are expected to remain in place for an extended period, affecting both local commuters and freight transport. TMR has stated that these precautions are necessary to ensure the safety of all road users while the rehabilitation works are carried out.
Published 26-July-2024