One Mile Bridge now open to traffic
UPDATE: The One Mile Bridge is now open again after it had to be closed due to damage caused by this week's floods.
Ipswich City Council Infrastructure Committee chairwoman Cr Cheryl Bromage said the bridge was operating with a reduced speed limit of 40kmh.
"Two lanes are open travelling inbound to the CBD, with outbound lanes reduced to one," Cr Bromage said.
"The old One Mile Bridge/Lobb St intersection will remain closed for another few days while further structural inspections take place, followed by resurfacing."
3AM: The One Mile Bridge is set to open at lunchtime today after Ipswich City Council threw all its resources into getting it back up and running.
The bridge was devastated by the recent floods and its closure caused grief for residents and commuters who use it on a daily basis.
The QT spoke to a lady yesterday who said it took her an hour and a quarter to get from Walloon to West Ipswich for work, a trip that usually takes 10 minutes.
Councillor Cheryl Bromage said she understood the pain the bridge's closure had caused people but said its imminent re-opening would make a lot of people happy. She also paid tribute to council staff for getting the job done so efficiently.
"The bridge will re-open to traffic at lunchtime. There will be two lanes of traffic operating into the CBD and one lane outbound," she said.
There will be two lanes of traffic operating into the CBD and one lane outbound.
"We understand what a vital link to the city the One Mile Bridge is, so this is great news. It will ease traffic congestion around the rest of the city.
"There were sheets of asphalt the size of small vehicles that were lifted off. We had to clean it all off and re-asphalt the whole bridge.
"A lot of work was involved to fix it, so this is a great result by the staff.
Only one outbound lane will be open to give council the opportunity to fix guard work on the railings.
Cr Bromage said the old One Mile Bridge/Lobb St intersection would remain closed while further structural inspections take place, followed by resurfacing.
Translink will resume bus services to the Leichhardt, One Mile area once the bridge opens tomorrow. The school bus service will travel via Sydney St today, then it will resume normal direction from Monday.
