Agricultural

17 March, 2026

Branchview Road Bridge Upgrade project improves safety, access for rural community

Rural communities and agricultural producers are the beneficiaries of safety improvements and better all-weather access following the official opening of the Branchview Road Bridge Upgrade project last Thursday.

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) constructed a new two-lane concrete bridge to replace the single-lane timber bridge on Branchview Road over the North Branch of the Condamine River, west of Brookstead.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald and TRC Construction and Maintenance (Infra-structure Services) portfolio spokesperson Cr Carol Taylor were joined by fellow Councillors, TRC Infrastructure Services Group staff, contractors and surrounding residents to open the project.

The $5.1 million bridge was jointly funded by $3.8 million through the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) and $1.3 million from TRC.

The works also straightened the road alignment by constructing the new bridge 50 metres south of the former crossing.

“Replacing this old timber bridge with a modern, two-lane concrete structure is a fantastic outcome for the Toowoomba Region, delivering a safer, more reliable connection for residents, local farmers and freight operators,” Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain said.

Senator for Queensland, Corinne Mulholland, said replacing the former bridge ensures modern infrastructure that meets current transport and safety standards.   

“The upgraded Branch-view Road Bridge will provide a higher level of heavy vehicle access for local primary producers and associated industries well into the future,” she said.

Mayor McDonald expressed Council’s gratitude for the Australian Government’s financial contribution to the vital upgrade project.

“Council is responsible for a vast infrastructure network across our 13,000km² Region and appreciates the contribution that ensures we keep replacing aged infrastructure for residents across our rural localities, as well as our urban areas,” he said.

“The agricultural sector, including the broadacre farms across our southern and western Downs country is a major part of our national economy.”

Mayor McDonald said around one in 20 jobs in the Region is linked to  agricultural production.

“It’s been mentioned on a number of occasions that the rich fertile soil on the Darling Downs should in fact be the eighth wonder of the world,” he said.

“Branchview Road is an important connection in the heart of this productive area.”

Cr Carol Taylor said the aim of the project was to improve safety and traffic efficiency, while also recognising the road as an important connection for primary producers.

“The Branchview Road Bridge supports not only the surrounding communities but plays a key role transporting agricultural produce in our Region and to the Port of Brisbane,” she said.

Cr Taylor paid tribute to Council staff and contractors who worked on the project and the local community.

“I wish to acknowledge and thank the Brookstead community for their patience and cooperation during this project... and through the life of the strengthening and replacement of this bridge which has gone on for some years,” she said.

“I’m sure surrounding farmers and residents will appreciate the new bridge and travelling along a familiar, convenient route with improved safety and improved capacity.”

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