Western Queensland is at the heart of the state's agricultural industry, with the highways and roads critical for trucks transporting goods and services.
These links from the major metropolitan centres ensure that rural areas continue to serve the economy in the years ahead.
As such, the recently announced Queensland state budget confirmed a significant $40 million road funding package for the western regions. One of the 14 road projects to receive the bulk of the funding was the Diamantina Developmental Road – collecting $13 million across four individual upgrades.
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, Mark Bailey explained that roading infrastructure is vital to the western parts of the state.
"Not only are we building better roads out west where they're needed, we're providing more than 70 jobs for road workers," he said in a July 21 media statement.
"Now, we are stepping in to ensure there's a safe and reliable road network for people who live and work in western Queensland."
Angelalla Creek Bridge
During a visit to Charleville, Mr Bailey visited the Angelalla Creek Bridge rebuild. In September 2014, a truck transporting ammonium nitrate overturned and exploded on the bridge. Fortunately, the driver wasn't killed in the accident, but the bridge was completely destroyed, which left truck drivers and locals with long detours.
Civil engineering businesses are currently working hard on the bridge rebuild, which begun in June. According to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, 50 per cent of the piling work was completed at this point, with operations on abutment A and Pier 1 beginning.
The state government believes that the bridge will reopen to all vehicles in November, with the new structure above and beyond what was there before. To withstand floods, it will be built higher and wider and have a footpath underneath for pedestrians.
Murweh Shire Mayor Denis Cook told the ABC that many firefighters were injured in the September explosion and these people will be recognised at the site with photographs and plaques.
"There's a couple of them that are still having difficulties, but they're in really good hands. The fire service has really looked after them," he said.
"People from all over Australia when they come to Charleville now want to know where it is and where is the spot."
Upgrading infrastructure
Whether your business is fixing a bridge like in Western Queensland or waterproofing new infrastructure, Bluey Technologies can be of service. With a long history of success in the civil engineering industry, we can provide both materials and technical support to ensure the end product is up to standard.
For more information, feel free to contact our expert team today.