Markets’ bridge ripe for Betterment project

Construction work is underway on a Betterment project to improve access into and out of the Brisbane Markets at Rocklea during severe weather events.

Curzon Street Bridge will be raised 1.2 metres to 7 metres and strengthened to improve its disaster resilience and protect freight access to the markets during flood events.

As part of the project, a full road reconstruction will be carried out.

Works planned include a retaining wall to elevate the road, a reinforced steel and concrete deck on the bridge, pedestrian access, a new gatehouse and entry controls, and extensive electrical and communications infrastructure.

A partnership between the Australian and Queensland Governments and Brisbane Markets via the $450 million Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program (QRRRP) will deliver the Betterment project.

Raising the bridge will give tenants more time to remove valuable produce and equipment offsite ahead of an anticipated flood event, reducing stock loss and impacts for traders.

It will also allow for a faster return to operations after floodwaters recede.

Operations at the Brisbane Markets, Queensland’s only central fruit and vegetable market, were severely disrupted by flooding which cut the bridge for five days in 2011 and again for three days in 2022.

Raising the Curzon Street Bridge will help protect supply chains and the thousands of jobs supported directly and indirectly by the iconic fresh food hub which each year sees more than 700 million kilos of produce moved, valued at over $2 billion.

Government funding for the project is part of a guaranteed Betterment investment delivered under the QRRRP to strengthen disaster resilience in Queensland.

The QRRRP is made possible under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Photo supplied by Brisbane Markets Limited