Construction of a new bridge at Finlayvale which will improve access for the sugarcane industry is now underway according to Douglas Shire Council.

Council has finished building a bypass at Anichs Bridge, located on Finlayvale Road, to allow construction of the new bridge downstream.

The old bridge is a single lane, timber bridge with a rail line running through the centre. Upon completion of the project, there will be an increase in the crossing’s load rating to 44 tonnes and the life expectancy increased from five to 100 years, according to a statement from council.

The project is co-funded by Douglas Shire Council and the Australian Government under the Bridges Renewal Program.

Council says that although the instances of flooding will not change, the new bridge is designed to better withstand being inundated and battered with debris during the floods which will speed up the cleaning process after a flood and allow the bridge to be reopened faster.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said increased load limit would improve safety at the crossing.

“The steel bridge girders and cross braces are corroded which impacts the ability to safely transport heavy equipment such as cane harvesters, tractors and haulage across the creek,” said Kerr.