en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Capricorn Highway connection bridge on the Rockhampton Ring Road has received its first locally manufactured Super T beams. The 841-metre bridge requires 150 such beams in total, making it one of the largest bridges on this new freight route; once completed, the bridge will provide a critical link between the existing highway and the ring road. The arrival of the first beams has moved the connection bridge into its next construction phase.
The project has a total investment of A$1.98 billion and requires the manufacture of 976 beams in Rockhampton for 17 bridges. These bridges will span roads, waterways, flood-prone areas, and other terrain along the route, with the beams serving as the primary load-bearing components of each span structure.
The ring road is designed to divert heavy-vehicle-dominated through traffic away from the urban section of the Bruce Highway, reducing interactions between trucks, pedestrians, and other vehicles within the built-up area. The new route also aims to improve reliability for freight operators moving goods through Central Queensland, with enhanced flood resilience reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions in the region during severe weather.
On 20 July, Alexandra Street reopened following construction of the new overpass, restoring local access, while works around the overpass continue. During the temporary closure, crews completed major foundation works including bridge abutments and central piers, and carried out flood mitigation improvements and adjustments for oversized and overmass vehicle movements. Maintaining the route's accessibility for large equipment transport is important for industries moving oversized machinery through Central Queensland.
All 976 beams are being manufactured locally in Rockhampton, giving local manufacturers and workers direct involvement in one of Central Queensland's largest transport projects, while also reducing the transport distance for large concrete components before installation.
Australian Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said construction on key parts of the project was accelerating, including the Fitzroy River crossing and major bridge works. Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the arrival of the first locally manufactured beams was another clear signal of the ring road's progress. Federal Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Nita Green said the project was delivering flood-resilient infrastructure to ease congestion on the Bruce Highway, with local manufacturing and construction industries set to benefit.
In terms of funding, the Australian Federal Government is contributing A$1.4 billion, with the Queensland Government providing the remaining A$580 million. As construction progresses, subsequent bridge installations and the Fitzroy River crossing works will continue.
