Wahpunga lane bridge replacement complete

Replacement of the Wahpunga Lane Bridge in Kin Kin is now completed, and the bridge reopened to motorists this week.

This is the second Hinterland bridge to be replaced under the Bridges Renewal Program funded by the Australian Government and Noosa Council.

The work on the Hinterland bridges not only benefits residents, but also the many visitors that frequent these popular areas, which are home to the Noosa Trail Network and well-known lookouts including the James M McKane Memorial Lookout.

The Hinterland bridges replacement project is a joint initiative of the Australian Government and the Noosa Council as part of the Bridges Renewal Program. The Australian Government has contributed $2 million to this project, which has been matched by Council funding.

According to the Hon Kristy McBain, Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Bridges Renewal Program funds the upgrade and replacement of bridges across Australia, to enhance access and improve travel through local communities.

“This Hinterland bridges project will support local communities and holiday makers to travel in greater safety, and assist businesses to send and receive their products and services more efficiently,” Ms McBain said.

“Another completed project means more families, tourists and other drivers getting home faster and safer.”

Noosa Mayor, Clare Stewart said over $4.2 million has been spent on vital Hinterland bridge infrastructure under this program, with the replacement of both the Tablelands Bridge B in Cooran and Wahpunga Lane Bridge in Kin Kin.

“Bridges are key pieces of infrastructure that keep our Hinterland communities moving and we are really pleased to have the Wahpunga Lane Bridge reopen to motorists,” Cr Stewart said.

“Construction at this site was significantly impacted by the February and May flood events, extending the construction window beyond what was originally scheduled, and we thank the community for their patience with the additional period of traffic diversion.

“The great news is that our Hinterland communities have a new concrete bridge which is safer with guard rails along the edge, has improved road alignment, reduced maintenance costs and a design life of 100 years.

“Work is also underway on a third Hinterland bridge in Cooroy and Council expects the Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge replacement to be completed in late October, pending favourable weather and construction conditions.

“We again thank residents for their patience whilst this bridge is replaced with a new wider two-lane concrete bridge with added guard rails to provide better safety for motorists.”