Replacement of Kin Kin’s Wahpunga Lane Bridge is now complete, with the bridge re-opening to motorists this week.
Wahpunga Lane is the second of Queensand’s Hinterland bridges to be replaced under the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP), funded by the Federal Government and Noosa Council.
The Federal Government has contributed $2 million to the Hinterland bridges replacement project, which has been matched by Council funding.
The upgrades not only benefit 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.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, said the project will 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 the BRP, 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 re-open to motorists,” Mayor Stewart said.
“Construction at this site was significantly impacted by the February and May 2022 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, improves road alignment, reduces maintenance costs and has 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 2022, 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.”
