Bringing out the big guns
Highway project charges ahead
MASSIVE bridge decking units – each bigger than a humpback whale – are being lifted into place as stage 4 construction progresses on the Cairns Southern Access Corridor project.
The $104 million widening of the Bruce Hwy between Kate and Aumuller streets is well under way, with a new inbound bridge over Chinaman Creek due for completion by mid-year.
Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the structure had several interesting features.
“The 90 bridge decking units are manufactured with a slight upwards curve that flattens out when placed,” he said.
“This construction technique prevents sagging and ensures a strong, flat foundation for the road.
“As the work begins, we ask residents and commuters to slow down, keep an eye out for changed traffic conditions and follow directions of traffic controllers.
“I thank motorists for their patience and urge everyone to drive safely during construction.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael 90 bridge decking units Weigh 31 tonnes, 24m long Two cranes weighing 200 tonnes needed to install units
McCormack said the works were a major step forward in the project, which would widen the section of the highway from four lanes to six.
“These huge decking units are the backbone of the superstructure and connect the new inbound bridge from end to end,” Mr McCormack said.
“The units weigh up to 31 tonnes, measure 24 metres in length and are larger than a humpback whale.
“Two cranes – both weighing more than 200 tonnes – are needed to install the decks, which will be completed mostly at night to minimise disruption to motorists.”
The project has been funded on an 80:20 partnership with the federal and state governments.
Cairns MP Michael Healy said the project’s completion would be critical to the region’s ability to bounce back once coronavirus restrictions had been lifted.
“We’ve got $1.45 billion for projects like this and the Smithfield bypass, supporting more than 1300 jobs, and getting families, businesses and industry home sooner and safer,” he said.
“We’re creating a solid foundation for our roads and economy that will link to the Queensland Government’s $127 million port upgrade, which will secure new opportunities for tourism and industry in the Far North, once we begin to recover from COVID-19.”
THE 90 BRIDGE DECKING UNITS ARE MANUFACTURED WITH A SLIGHT UPWARDS CURVE THAT FLATTENS OUT WHEN PLACED
Watch the video of the massive installation at www.cairnspost.com.au