The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has announced the new Six Mile Creek Bridge, on Pomona-Kin Kin Road, located 3kms north of Pomona, has now opened to traffic.
The new bridge will be under traffic control for a short period of time then open to two lanes.
This bridge replacement is a testament to what can be achieved when a community stands together, with grassroots advocacy from many including longtime resident and independent Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton.
“This has been a long journey of persistence and hard work starting a decade ago from when as a Noosa councillor, I met with locals Phil Moran, Brian O’Connor, Stephen Hilditch and Gympie MP Tony Perrett as Pomona was in our neighboring electorate then. An end to the daily dangerous near misses and head-ons, as well cut offs during flooding from the old bridge, has now been realised.
“Even though we have not done the official opening yet, which will occur in the new year, it was a wonderful moment to take my first drive over this much fought for replacement,” said Sandy.
The new bridge of two lanes with a wider bridge deck and wider shoulders replaces the former single lane timber bridge over Six Mile Creek, built in 1934. The new bridge will also withstand more significant flood events, reducing the frequency and duration of closures in comparison to the existing timber bridge.
“Thank you for the patience of those impacted by its construction as well everyone’s efforts over this long journey of many years to see this dangerous accident hotspot remedied. Once we get to the official opening, we will be popping some bubbles and hope all that are in the photo below, as well previous, can join in,” Sandy added.
“Especially 97-year-old Jim Grant, who had the privilege of being the first non-construction worker to walk across the new bridge as he did at the age of nine when the original opened. We all can’t wait to hear his memories from over the years, and what he thinks of the new #7!”
Construction is expected to be completed in early 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting. For the history of efforts to see this bridge replaced, all Sandy’s previous updates are available on Noosa 360 at SandyBolton.com/Noosa360
