SPEED restrictions on the Warrego Highway’s Bremer River Bridge are set to be lifted once major strengthening works now underway are completed, bringing relief to tens of thousands of commuters and freight operators.
Rehabilitation works have begun on the westbound bridge, marking a significant step toward restoring normal traffic conditions on one of south-east Queensland’s busiest transport corridors.
The upgrade follows detailed engineering investigations carried out after speed limits were imposed in 2023.
For the first time, the community has been shown the long-term rehabilitation design, which focuses on strengthening the structure and extending the bridge’s lifespan by decades.
The works are being carried out from underneath the bridge, avoiding lengthy closures and major traffic disruptions that would have occurred under earlier rebuild proposals.
Once completed, the project will remove speed restrictions in both directions and ensure the bridge can continue to safely carry heavy traffic along the Warrego Highway, a key link between regional Queensland and Brisbane.
The original proposal to redeck the entire bridge would have required a closure of up to six months.
The revised plan allows the bridge to remain open while works continue through 2026, weather permitting.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the project provided a clear and positive way forward for the community.
“This bridge is a vital artery for the region and the national freight network, with about 32,000 vehicles crossing the westbound bridge every day,” she said. “Commuters will be relieved to see speed restrictions removed once works are complete.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the solution responded directly to community concerns about congestion and delays.
“We’ve landed a sensible and pragmatic plan that fixes the problem without unnecessary disruption, respects taxpayers’ money and delivers decades more life from this bridge,” he said.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the upgrade would reduce travel times for local residents and improve freight efficiency along the corridor linking Toowoomba and Brisbane.
Assistant Minister to the Premier for Cabinet and South West Queensland Trevor Watts said keeping the bridge open during construction was critical for the local economy.
“The original plan would have been totally unworkable for our community,” he said. “This approach keeps people and produce moving between the Darling Downs and Brisbane while delivering the infrastructure Queensland needs.”
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with construction continuing as conditions allow.
