New concrete bridges to improve rural road safety

Published on 14 September 2026

• $5.5 million investment in new concrete bridges on Thinoomba and Yerra roads
• New bridges will improve safety and maintain important access for residents, rural properties and freight
• Existing roads and bridges will remain open while the new bridges are built

Work is starting today on new concrete bridges on Thinoomba Road and Yerra Road, improving safety and helping maintain reliable access for local residents and heavy vehicles.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said replacing ageing bridges was an important part of Council’s ongoing investment in the region’s road network.

“This $5.5 million investment will replace two timber bridges that have reached the end of their useful lives with modern concrete structures,” he said.

“Investing in these bridges now will provide safer, more reliable connections and ensure they can continue supporting our rural communities and local industries for decades to come.”

Cr Michelle Byrne said the projects would deliver important improvements for people who regularly use Thinoomba and Yerra roads.

“These roads are used by local residents, property owners, primary producers and heavy vehicles moving freight, so maintaining safe and reliable access is important,” she said.

“A major improvement will be on Yerra Road, where the existing single-lane timber bridge will be replaced with a new two-lane concrete bridge, providing a better crossing for everyone using this route.

“Importantly, the existing bridges will remain open while the new ones are built, helping to minimise disruption for people who rely on these roads.”

On Thinoomba Road over Myrtle Creek, about 5.4 kilometres south of Maryborough Biggenden Road, the existing single-lane timber bridge will be replaced with a new 17-metre single-lane concrete bridge.

The project includes piling, rock protection and drainage works, road realignment, signage and rehabilitation of the former bridge site.

On Yerra Road over Eighteen Mile Creek, about one kilometre west of Davis Road, the existing three-span, single-lane timber bridge will be replaced with a new 20-metre, two-lane concrete bridge.

The Yerra Road project is jointly funded with $3 million from the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program and $400,000 from Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Construction on both projects starts today, Monday 14 September, with works expected to be completed in the first half of 2027, weather permitting.

Once the new bridges and road alignments are completed, the existing timber bridges will be removed and the surrounding areas rehabilitated.