Temporary Closure - Ted Cunningham Bridge

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Published
1st December 2022

Whitsunday Regional Council is aware that the approaches to Ted Cunningham Bridge on Strathmore Road have suffered damage following a significant rain event in the area. The project contractors who completed the bridge are on their way to assess the damage and an update will be provided to the community as more information is provided to Council. We will advise once a safe alternative route has been established.

Further rain in the Bowen River Catchment is anticipated over the weekend which may delay investigation and repairs. To keep up to date with road closures throughout the region please visit the Disaster Dashboard - http://disaster.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/

Update - 2/12/22

The Bridge Construction Contractor will be visiting the site on Saturday 3 December and their Engineer from Townsville will be inspecting the site on Monday 5 December 2022. 

Update - 5/12/22

Whitsunday Regional Council has made arrangements for works to be undertaken today (5th December 2022) and tomorrow (6th December 2022) to clear the rubble as a result of the flooding of the Bowen River, to temporarily gain access to the old lower-level Ted Cunningham Bridge.

Council will work to clear the deck of the old bridge from debris once access is gained and install an approach to the old bridge using a gravel stockpile which has been ordered to be placed on-site.  It is likely that the old bridge will have a reduced load limit once re-opened. 

It is expected that these works will take approximately three days and further news will follow on progress of this temporary solution.

The concrete abutment on the Collinsville side of the new Ted Cunningham Bridge has been compromised and has had excessive erosion underneath. The abutment will need to be reinstated. The rest of the bridge appears to have its structural integrity intact, except for the approaches which will require substantial re-work along with the abutment.

Council is currently working with the bridge contractor on suitable options in an effort to re-gain access to the new bridge as soon and as safe as possible. Further updates will be provided once information becomes available.

Update - 7/12/22

On Monday 5th December, Council staff commenced reinstating the road to the old lower-level bridge and have completed this work on the Collinsville side and are currently working on the roadway to the Bowen River Hotel.
 
This work will largely be completed today with some work continuing tomorrow. Council anticipates that the lower-level bridge will be open to light traffic in the afternoon tomorrow or Friday morning.
 
Council also has a bridge engineer assessing the old lower-level bridge tomorrow to determine whether heavy vehicles could be allowed, in addition to light vehicles. The community will be advised further on this matter.
 
In the meantime, Council is still considering its long-term options on the new Ted Cunningham bridge however our main priority at this point is providing access for the community through the lower-level bridge.
 
Mayor Julie Hall and Council’s Director Infrastructure Services visited the site yesterday to view progress and to also speak with locals regarding Council’s immediate plans and to listen to their concerns.
 
Council empathises that this has been a large interruption for the community and is working hard towards rectifying the situation as quickly and safely as possible.


Update - 8/12/22

The older lower-level bridge at Bowen River on Strathmore Road Collinsville will be open to vehicle traffic up to a 10 tonne load limit by 4pm today, Thursday 8 December 2022.

Council also has road grading teams on the back road from Bowen River to cater for vehicles over 10 tonnes. Council has recently finished grading Mt Wyatt Road and has now commenced on grading Rutherford Road to Mt Coolon.

Council appreciates the community's patience while Council undertook this work to re-instate access. Council is still considering its options with repairs to the approaches to the new bridge and will advise further on action to be taken.

Update - 18/12/22

Overnight an increase in water height in the Bowen River has caused minor damage to the earthen infill on the low-level bridge at the site of the Ted Cunningham Bridge on Strathmore Road.

Council workers are attending site today to put in place warning signs and road users are requested to slow down and take care while using the low-level crossing until repairs can be made. Stabilisation works will be undertaken first thing Monday morning (19th December 2022).

Large vehicles should avoid using the crossing until such time as repairs can be made. We thank residents for their continued patience during this time.

Anyone with safety concerns can call Council’s afterhours number on 1300 972 753.