Ministerial Statement: $14 million upgrade for Tully River rail bridge

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Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
15/09/2009

$14 million upgrade for Tully River rail bridge

The 100-year-old Tully River rail bridge has received a $14 million upgrade, helping to flood proof the structure and provide better reliability for freight and passenger trains.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the Queensland Government project had been completed just recently - on time for the upcoming wet season.

"Tully is one of the wettest areas in Australia and is isolated by flood waters every year," Ms Nolan said.

"Already this year the Tully area has flooded twice, preventing any freight or passenger trains travelling between Townsville and Cairns.

"As part of this project we have raised the approaches to the bridge and replaced 72 timber spans with concrete structures and earth embankments, improving the flood immunity of the bridge and reducing maintenance after floods.

"The new design will mean fewer disruptions to access for the community and greater reliability for passenger and freight trains."

Ms Nolan commended the project team for completing the upgrade work while ensuring the North Coast Rail Line remained open.

This $14 million project was completed as part of the Queensland Government's $63 million Bridge Replacement Strategy - a program of works to replace more than 40 rail bridges and culverts across Queensland.

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