Timber bridge restorations

Newly restored Barren Creek Bridge is now open

Mackay Regional Council is pleased to announce the completion of the Barren Creek Bridge replacement on Calen-Mount Charlton Road by contractor Timber Restoration Systems. The project was finished on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

This bridge is the final one in a series of six timber bridge renewals in the Mackay region, which also included Greens Bridge in Mount Charlton and One Mile Creek Bridge in Mount Pelion.

Originally constructed in the 1930s, Barren Creek Bridge had reached the end of its lifespan.

It was demolished in September 2024 and, unfortunately, some delays outside of council’s control meant the bridge's completion was delayed until this year.

The restored bridge is now open for use and supports a 44-tonne "T44" truck loading capacity.

It features new concrete approach slabs, an Australian hardwood timber superstructure with galvanized steel fixings, and a custom glue-laminated deck. Additionally, scour protection has been added to the creek to safeguard the structural foundations during future flood events.

We appreciate the community’s patience during these essential works to maintain and extend the life of our region’s infrastructure.

Maintenance to Calen-Mt Charlton Road and detour routes

Due to the recent wet weather, multiple sections of the detour routes require additional maintenance.

Council’s Civil Operations team are working hard across the region to maintain the road network and are triaging each maintenance report as soon as possible.

Grading and pothole repairs are currently under way on Barren Creek Road; however, the road will remain closed until the water level decreases further and the main washout can be repaired. Council anticipates that this repair will be possible before the end of this week, weather permitting.

Both detour routes will continue to be monitored daily. Motorists are still encouraged to report issues through the Snap Send Solve app or by calling 1300 MACKAY (622 529) if there’s an urgent safety risk.

The good news – the timber deck is currently being installed and the bridge is still on track for completion by the end of the month, weather permitting.

We understand that these unavoidable delays have been frustrating and we sincerely appreciate the community’s patience. The crew are working hard to have Barren Creek Bridge opened as quickly as possible.

Detour route closed due to flooding

Multiple sections of Calen-Mount Charlton Road, both north and south of Cameron’s Pocket, are temporarily closed due to flooding.

Motorists are urged to avoid the road if possible.

Residents should limit travel. If travel is necessary, drive to the road conditions and follow all roadside signage.

If it’s flooded, forget it.

Opt-in to receive notifications about road closures and other emergency events at disaster.mackay.qld.gov.au

Barren Creek Bridge completion is delayed

The works by Timber Restoration Systems (TRS) are progressing well. The substructure is complete and scour protection works are under way.

Unfortunately, the custom-built deck has been held in Customs causing a delay to the re-opening. Council and TRS have investigated other options to minimise further delays and, as a result, a new deck is being constructed at no additional expense to council.

The work is now expected to be completed by late February 2025, weather permitting.

Detours will remain in place via Barren Creek Road to Barren Pocket Road or via Mirani-Mount Ossa Road.

Please continue to drive to the road conditions and follow all roadside signage.

We apologise for any inconvenience. Should you require any further information, please contact 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

The restoration of Palm Tree Creek Bridge at Pinnacle has been completed.

Works by contractor Timber Restoration Systems to replace Palm Tree Creek Bridge, on Walker-Finns Road, were completed on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

Following the demolition of the bridge in May 2024, the foundations were found to be in poorer condition than anticipated. Works ceased on site while engineers completed a new design and a concreting sub-contractor was engaged. Works then re-commenced in August 2024.

The following has been completed as part of this project:

• Concrete foundations and approach slabs.
• Scour protection to the creek, to protect the structural foundations in future flood events.
• New Australian hardwood timber structure and galvanised steel fixings.
• Glue laminated timber deck.
• Asphalt wearing surface.

Palm Tee Creek Bridge has now been re-opened for use.

The bridge capacity has been restored to a 44 Tonne “T44” truck loading.

Thank you for your patience while these essential works were under way.

Palm Tree Creek Bridge prior to restoration starting

Palm Tree Creek Bridge new structure.

Palm Tree Creek Bridge's new decking prior to re-opening.

Image of Barren Creek Bridge during demolition.The demolition of Barren Creek Bridge has now been completed.

To accommodate the increased traffic on the detour route through Barren Creek and Barren Pocket roads, lights have been installed.

Fines and infringement notices have been issued to drivers not obeying the detour signage and lights. The route is regularly monitored by traffic management personnel and Queensland Police to ensure the safety of all road users.

The work is expected to be completed by late-December, 2024, weather permitting.

We appreciate your patience and consideration to other road users, while these essential works are under way.

Emergency road closure notice

Calen-Mt Charlton Road at Barren Creek Bridge, Calen, is currently closed due to damage to the bridge.

Diversions have been set up via Barron Pocket Road and Barren Creek Road.

Temporary detour signs have been set up and council is working to implement more permanent traffic management and signage over the coming weeks.

Please allow extra time to reach your destination and follow all the signage and temporary traffic light signals that are in place.

The capital works that are scheduled to replace Barren Creek Bridge will begin as planned on Monday, September 9, 2024, weather permitting.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this closure and thank you for your cooperation.