Torbanlea-Pialba Road flood immunity upgrades complete

Flood immunity and road safety upgrades on Torbanlea–Pialba Road between Beelbi Creek and Takura are now complete, following the opening of the upgraded Old Toogoom Road intersection in early May.

Thousands of local residents in Hervey Bay and Torbanlea will enjoy improved road safety and flood resilience as a result of the upgrades. 

Work on the upgrades started in March 2022 and included construction of a new, four span bridge across Beelbi Creek, three floodway upgrades and five intersection upgrades on Torbanlea-Pialba Road including:

  • Old Toogoom Road intersection
  • Churchill Mine Road intersection
  • Antill Road intersection
  • Grabbes Road intersection
  • Gear Road intersection.

These intersection upgrades better separate high speed through traffic from slower moving turning traffic, greatly reducing the potential for serious injury crashes. The upgrades contribute to smoother traffic flow, enabling motorists to reach their destinations in a safer, more timely manner.

The need for the flood improvements was all too clear during construction, with the road closed due to flooding and more than 1.6 metres of rain falling on the site during the works.

For more information about Torbanlea – Pialba Road intersections and floodways upgrade, contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 1300 728 390 during business hours, or email bundaberg.office@tmr.qld.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This is an exciting milestone on one of many Australian and Queensland Government collaborations that will deliver much needed infrastructure to support strong, thriving regional communities.

"Infrastructure projects such as this deliver an immediate economic boost through a direct investment in local jobs and supplier opportunities, as well as providing longer term growth and stability by reducing social and economic impacts of flood related disruptions and improve road safety and traffic flow on key connector roads”

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm:

“Infrastructure projects, such as this one, deliver an immediate economic boost to our regional, rural and remote areas by reducing the potential for any of the risks associated with flood-related road closures.

“The Australian Government is pleased to have partnered with the Queensland Government to upgrade targeted sections of Torbanlea Pialba Road between Torbanlea and Hervey Bay.

“The delivery of this project is all part of the Albanese Government’s plan to better connect farming communities with the domestic and international markets, and better link regional Queensland with jobs and services.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish:

“In addition to the flood immunity works, safety upgrades at five intersections have been completed as part of the project.

“Works delivered include realignments and the installation of turning lanes at the Old Toogoom Road, Churchill Mine Road, Antill Road, Grabbes Road and Gear Road intersections.

“These important safety upgrades improve traffic flow and reduce the potential for rear-end crashes.

“The Hervey Bay and Maryborough regions will derive long-term economic and social benefits from the project, with the higher bridge capable of withstanding up to a 1 in 100 year flood event.

“The Australian and Queensland Governments will continue to work together to determine how best to address cost increases for projects that had funding allocated several years ago based on a pre-COVID cost estimate. 

“In the interim, the Queensland Government is contributing additional money to address the shortfall on high priority Queensland delivery projects, to ensure critical infrastructure upgrades continue.”  

Quotes attributable to State Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders:

“The completion of the flood immunity and road safety upgrades on Torbanlea–Pialba Road between Beelbi Creek and Takura, including the four-span bridge across Beelbi Creek, three floodway upgrades and five intersection has been very welcomed. 

“We wanted better, safer connections with easier freight access across our region and the upgrades have done just that.

“The completion of the project has provided a safer, smoother more flood-resilient route for commuters.

“Safety for our road users is a top priority.”