Forgan Bridge across the Pioneer River in Mackay, was first
opened in 1938 by the then Premier of Queensland and Member for
Mackay, William Forgan-Smith. The bridge provides direct
access to Mackay's central business district from the northern
suburbs.
Forgan Bridge had undergone significant maintenance over the
years including underpinning and widening in 1979 and girder repair
work more recently. Increased traffic volumes brought about by
Mackay's rapid population growth and expansion of the northern
suburbs of the city, has seen the original bridge reach peak
capacity and nearing the end of its' design life.
The condition of the old bridge combined with carrying
approximately 30,000 vehicles per day, with an anticipation of
increase to 35,000 by 2015, warranted a case for the replacement of
Forgan Bridge. It was recommended that Forgan Bridge be replaced
with a four-lane structure.
Options included replacing the existing bridge alignment and
adding two lanes, or the construction of a completely new bridge.
It was concluded that the four lanes on the existing Forgan Bridge
alignment would be the preferable solution.
The project would involve the design and construction of
- List1 a new 4 lane, 486m long/18 span bridge, as a replacement
to the original two lane structure
- List2 a 6 lane, 76m long/4 span replacement for the Barnes
Creek Bridge
- List3 the design and construction of a 1.5km long 4 lane
carriageway, from River Street on the southern side of Pioneer
River to the Kooyong intersection on the northern bank, including
relevant intersection upgrades.
GHD were commissioned as part of a team in an Early Contractor
Involvement (ECI) Agreement in March 2007 by Main Roads, to provide
the design elements of bridges, civil works, roads and
intersections and environmental approval submissions.
In order for the City of Mackay to remain connected over the
Pioneer River, the project would be completed in stages.
In April 2010 Mackay residents were able to farewell the old
Forgan Bridge and welcome the first stage of completion of the
Forgan Bridge Duplication Project. The second stage of construction
is currently underway.
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