Southern Downs Regional Council
Southern Downs Regional Council
04/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/29/2026 18:36
Critical infrastructure secured $4.4m upgrade to replace flood-prone Cox Bridge
30 April 2026
Traffic disruptions due to flooding on Victoria Street, Warwick will be improved once new flood-resilient upgrades are completed, following successful funding secured to replace the Cox Bridge with a higher, safer structure designed to withstand major flood events and improve connectivity for the local community.
A crucial transport link, the existing bridge supports more than 1,100 vehicles daily, including a significant 16.7 per cent heavy vehicle traffic volume. The project has been bolstered by a $3.5 million grant through the Australian Government's Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, with Southern Downs Regional Council providing the remaining investment via the Roads to Recovery Program to deliver the $4.4 million project.
The current structure is in poor condition and requires high maintenance, failing to meet current structural standards. Frequent flooding forces regular closures, creating significant network disruptions and restricting access via alternative routes, including Albion Street and the often-impacted Wallace Street/Rosehill Road crossing.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton stated that the project is a major win for regional connectivity.
"This investment addresses a critical infrastructure challenge, replacing an ageing asset with a higher, safer, and more resilient crossing for residents, businesses, and freight operators," Mayor Hamilton said.
"By improving flood immunity, we are strengthening the region's transport network and ensuring consistent accessibility. I thank the Australian Government for their vital support, which enables us to deliver safer, more productive infrastructure to our community."
The proposed project will replace the existing crossing with a dual-lane, multi-span bridge along with upgraded bridge approaches. The new structure will raise the bridge height, thus reducing the frequency and duration of closures during storm events.
The bridge will be designed to comply with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries requirements for a major waterway, ensuring appropriate environmental and hydraulic outcomes.
The project is slated for completion by June 2028, providing a robust solution for a vital freight thoroughfare.
Traffic disruptions due to flooding on Victoria Street, Warwick will be improved once new flood-resilient upgrades are completed, following successful funding secured to replace the Cox Bridge with a higher, safer structure designed to withstand major flood events and improve connectivity for the local community.
A crucial transport link, the existing bridge supports more than 1,100 vehicles daily, including a significant 16.7 per cent heavy vehicle traffic volume. The project has been bolstered by a $3.5 million grant through the Australian Government's Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, with Southern Downs Regional Council providing the remaining investment via the Roads to Recovery Program to deliver the $4.4 million project.
The current structure is in poor condition and requires high maintenance, failing to meet current structural standards. Frequent flooding forces regular closures, creating significant network disruptions and restricting access via alternative routes, including Albion Street and the often-impacted Wallace Street/Rosehill Road crossing.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton stated that the project is a major win for regional connectivity.
"This investment addresses a critical infrastructure challenge, replacing an ageing asset with a higher, safer, and more resilient crossing for residents, businesses, and freight operators," Mayor Hamilton said.
"By improving flood immunity, we are strengthening the region's transport network and ensuring consistent accessibility. I thank the Australian Government for their vital support, which enables us to deliver safer, more productive infrastructure to our community."
The proposed project will replace the existing crossing with a dual-lane, multi-span bridge along with upgraded bridge approaches. The new structure will raise the bridge height, thus reducing the frequency and duration of closures during storm events.
The bridge will be designed to comply with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries requirements for a major waterway, ensuring appropriate environmental and hydraulic outcomes.
The project is slated for completion by June 2028, providing a robust solution for a vital freight thoroughfare.
Last edited date 30 Apr 2026
Southern Downs Regional Council published this content on April 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 30, 2026 at 00:36 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]