Betterment brings back Bells Bridge
In early 2022, three major floods swept through the Mary River taking a terrible toll on Bells Bridge, a vital piece of road infrastructure in the Wide Bay region.
Spanning the Mary River at O’Leary’s Crossing just north of Gympie, Bells Bridge connects the Wide Bay Highway to the Bruce Highway.
It’s a vital link for residents and businesses in Goomeri and travellers to the region.
Opened in May 1958, the sturdy concrete bridge replaced a dilapidated wooden structure built in 1908 and named after the then Queensland Minister for Lands, the Honourable Joshua Thomas Bell.
However, successive floods which swept through the Mary River in January, February, and May of 2022 severely damaged the robust bridge
Floodwater scoured riverbanks which undermined the approaches, extensive debris impacts compromised the bridge’s superstructure, and damaged guardrails made the bridge unsafe for traffic.
In late-February, the bridge was closed for seven days, disrupting local and interstate transport and isolating small communities in the region.
Queensland’s Department of Main Roads and Transport (TMR) acted quickly to carry out emergency works at Bells Bridge, clearing debris and stabilising the damaged guard rails and super-structure so the road could reopen under reduced speed limits.
This ensured the local community regained essential access while TMR planned a more durable restoration.
Recognising the importance of Bells Bridge to local residents, businesses, and essential services, the bridge was prioritised for resilience upgrades under the 2021–22 Betterment Fund.
Betterment funding allows councils and state agencies to improve roads, bridges and floodways to better withstand the impacts of natural disasters.
Work is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Beginning in April 2024, the eastern side of Bells Bridge was fortified with pile walls extending deep into the embankment, providing reinforced support against future flooding events.
On the western approach, concrete armouring was installed behind the guardrails to shield the bridge’s super-structure from high-velocity flows during extreme rainfall events.
Additional resilience works included concrete surface drainage to manage water runoff and prevent further damage.
Upgrading Bells Bridge has delivered wide-ranging benefits for the Wide Bay region, ensuring local supply chains can stay open, supporting tourism, and providing locals with reliable year-round access to get to work, school, and home again.
Completed in September 2025, the Bells Bridge Betterment project illustrates the Australian and Queensland governments’ commitment to improving vital transport infrastructure and enhancing community resilience.
These upgrades demonstrate how innovative and forward-thinking reconstruction and resilience works can help protect communities, boost economic opportunities, and safeguard critical connections for years to come.
