Scenic Rim Regional Council will soon commence works to increase the resilience of Kerry Road, Hinchcliffe Bridge and Kengoon Bridge following the approval of more than $12 million in federal funding.
The Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and Bridges Renewal Program will facilitate the upgrade of approximately two kilometres of Kerry Road, the replacement of two existing dilapidated timber crossings at Hinchcliffe Bridge, Kooralbyn, and Kengoon Bridge, Kents Lagoon.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said Council had previously secured more than $5 million in funding from the Australian Government for these projects under the 2022-2023 Budget.
“Due to significant cost increases, Council reapplied to the Australian Government for funding and was again successful, this time securing a total of $12.49 million,” he said.
“Our network of roads and bridges not only connects our communities, it plays a key role in driving our powerhouse regional economy,” he said.
“Residents of Beaudesert and the surrounding area will no doubt welcome the improvement of approximately two kilometres of Kerry Road, which includes realignment, width increase and pavement strengthening at a cost of $9.60 million, with $5 million in Australian Government funding secured.”
Mayor Christensen said Hinchcliffe Bridge and Kengoon Bridge would both be replaced with modern concrete structures.
“Hinchcliffe Bridge will be upgraded to a two-lane concrete bridge featuring a higher load capacity and a separated shared path, and realignment of the adjoining intersection,” he said.
“This upgrade will cost $8.09 million, $5 million of which will be funded by the Australian Government.
“The low-level Kengoon Bridge will also be replaced with a concrete bridge to increase its load carrying capacity to current engineering standards, and the approaching road and associated infrastructure will be upgraded including guardrails, bridge rails, line marking and signage.
“Council has allocated $623,258 of its budget to this project and the remaining $2.49 million will be provided under the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program.”
