To support the construction of the new Paradise Dam wall, a $13 million contract has been awarded to upgrade eight intersections on the dam’s road network.
This critical road improvement is the second of three road upgrades being delivered to improve safety and cater for increased traffic movements to and from the dam during construction.
Construction firm Hazell Brothers will deliver the work, which the Queensland Government said will support up to 30 jobs and will include suppliers and workers from the Bundaberg and Burnett region.
Geotechnical investigations for the new dam wall project are ongoing, while planning and design work is well underway.
Improvements to major intersections at Booyal Dallarnil Road and the Bruce Highway, and Dallarnil Road and Paradise Dam Road will begin in the next two months.
The work includes lengthening turning lanes, improved truck turning paths, updating signage and improving sight distance to make entering and exiting these roads safer.
Minor intersections will be upgraded at Gooroolba Biggenden Road, Emu Creek Road, Seccombes Road and Coringa Road intersection, as well as Muan Road, Coringa Road and Gooroolba Biggenden Road at Degilbo.
Work on the two major intersections is expected to be completed by April 2025, weather permitting.
Activities are underway for an upgrade to a 10km section of Paradise Dam Road. A contract to replace a low-level crossing with a bridge at Degilbo Creek to improve flood resilience will be awarded later this year.
Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said that the Queensland Government is committed to delivering the Paradise Dam Improvement Project.
“This work is necessary to support the increased vehicle movements expected around the dam during the construction of the new wall,” Mr Butcher said.
“Not only are we delivering infrastructure that provides long-term water security for the region, but we’re also providing better and safer roads for locals in the process.”
Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith, said, “It’s great to see this project continuing to create jobs that benefit Bundaberg and the local workforce.
“This work will ensure our local roads can support the safety of vehicles and workers travelling to the dam site.
“The improved intersections will not only allow for long and heavy vehicle haulage during construction but leave a positive legacy for local motorists for years to come.”
Sunwater CEO, Glenn Stockton, said, “At Sunwater, safety is our biggest priority, so it’s essential the roads around the dam support the safe movement of large volumes of heavy vehicles and equipment needed at the dam site.
“This work will provide long-term improvements that will support the community’s safety as they travel to where they live and work.
“Sunwater is committed to ongoing engagement with the community to ensure transparency as we plan for the new Paradise Dam wall.
“We are inviting the community to speak to our team at one of our upcoming information sessions to find out more about these road upgrades.
“There may be some traffic impacts during construction, and I thank the community for their patience while this important work is underway.”
Featured image: Bundaberg Stock Footage/shutterstock.com
