General News
12 September, 2025
New bridge officially opened in Cloncurry
The former single-lane bridge can now accommodate vehicles and pedestrians in both directions.
Cloncurry’s new Coppermine Creek Bridge has been officially opened.
The $8.53 million dual-lane bridge was co-funded by the Cloncurry Shire Council ($3.53 million) and the federal government’s $5 million from the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
The new Coppermine Creek Bridge replaced the ageing single-lane bridge, in operation since the 1940s.
The old bridge caused ongoing bottlenecks, was becoming costly to maintain, and had no dedicated walkway for pedestrians.
The new bridge now hosts a dedicated pedestrian pathway, allowing safe passage for locals and many students who walk to and from their schools in the town centre.
Built to withstand another 100 years, and significantly increasing the load-limit previously available, it also creates a quicker and safer link between town and the south-side for emergency services, freight transport and school buses.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said he was proud his government worked with the Cloncurry Shire Council to deliver a new bridge.
“The former bridge, a single lane structure with a lower load limit, regularly saw local freight and heavier vehicles take a detour of over 5 kilometres to reach the other side of town barely 100 metres away,” he said.
“It’s going to boost productivity, encourage walking and cycling amongst town, and, most of all, become a safer experience for locals.”
Cloncurry mayor Greg Campbell thanked the Senator and the Commonwealth government for its support and funding.
“One of the great privileges of being Mayor is welcoming distinguished guests to our shire,” he said at Friday’s opening.
“Senator Chisholm knows our community well, and it is a pleasure to host him at Meeting of the Mines and to join him in officially opening the new Coppermine Creek Bridge.
“This important project was made possible through the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, and we are grateful for that support.
“I look forward to many more successful projects delivered in partnership with Senator Chisholm and the Albanese Government.”