As part of broader efforts to improve regional connectivity and public infrastructure upgrades, five heritage bridges along Queensland’s popular Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) have been refurbished and reopened to the public.
The upgrades were delivered in stages by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), with support from RoadTek and project partners including Moddex, who supplied compliant bikeway barrier systems across four of the five bridges.
Spanning 161km from Wulkuraka near Ipswich to Yarraman west of Kilcoy, the BVRT crosses four local government areas and draws thousands of cyclists, hikers and horse riders each year. The recent works aimed to improve flood resilience and reduce closures during heavy rainfall by strengthening footings, improving the structures and replacing outdated guardrails.
Projects like this reflect a growing national focus on sustainable, low-impact infrastructure where traditional construction methods can be costly in the long term, slow, or impractical. In these settings, modern methods of constructions – including pre-engineered systems – offer clear advantages: faster installation, minimal disruption to the public, and consistent compliance with modern safety standards.
Barrier solutions built for the landscape
Moddex supplied more than 440 metres of Bikesafe® BS40 bikeway barrier systems across:
- Black Snake Gully Bridge – 72 metres
- Cooragook Crossing Bridge – 144 metres
- Sandy Creek Bridge – 129 metres
- Coal Creek Bridge – 93 metres
Each bridge presented its own challenges from remote access to the heritage requirements of Sandy Creek Bridge originally built in the 1930s. The modular BS40 system was chosen to meet these varied demands, allowing for safe, efficient installation without the need for on-site welding or hot works.
By opting for hot-dip galvanised pre-engineered systems, the project team ensured long-term durability while reducing risks associated with repeat closures, which is particularly important in flood-prone areas where fast reopening is critical.
To mark the project’s completion, Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Adventures hosted the Five Bridges of Somerset Ride, a 62km cycling event from Toogoolawah to Fernvale that saw riders cross the newly upgraded bridges.
As Queensland continues to invest in active transport and regional infrastructure, the BVRT upgrades highlight how collaborative delivery and modern construction methods can extend the life of public assets, while making them safer and more accessible for the next generation of trail users.