Logan City Council has begun widening the Ray Hodgson Bridge on Loganlea Rd at Slacks Creek as part of a $77.7 million upgrade of the stretch from Meadowbrook to the M1.

Over the next four weeks, eight ‘piles’ will be poured up to 7 metres into the bedrock under Slacks Creek.

They will carry the weight of an additional north-bound traffic lane, footpath and bikeway.

Steel ‘liners’ will be driven into the ground to the full depth of the piles, before the earth is drilled out from inside each liner.

The steel reinforced piles will then be poured into the excavated holes. The new 70m long bridge deck will be built over the top in mid-2024.

Infrastructure Chair, Councillor Teresa Lane, said bridge building is complex work but the disruption to traffic, residents and businesses would be minimal.

“The benefits will be huge. The city will undergo some tremendous growth in coming years, and it’s crucial we have a roads network to cope, and get drivers home quicker and safer,” Cr Lane said.

Division 3 Councillor Mindy Russell said the bikeway and footpath would be well used.

“This work is unlocking Logan’s potential, and I’m looking forward to seeing the extra pedestrian and bike riding opportunities it will also open up,” Cr Russell said.

Division 6 Councillor Tony Hall said the wider bridge over Slacks Creek would save time on residents’ commutes.

“This is a vital part of the upgrade to for a safer, faster link from Meadowbrook to the M1,” Cr Hall said.

Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said the work would have an impact on the city’s residents.

“The Australian Government is proud to be jointly funding this vital bridge-widening project for Logan, delivering on our election commitments and making a real difference for the community,” Minister King said.

“Projects like this ensure our road networks support residents to get home safely from each trip while keeping freight connected to our cities and regions.”

The bridge is named after former Logan Mayor Ray Hodgson who served the city from 1990 to 1991.

Council is spending $55.2 million on the Loganlea Rd upgrade. The project is receiving $22.5 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Investment Program.

Treasurer and Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers was pleased to see the project come to fruition. 

“This is a great example of how we’re working with the council to make Logan City an even better place to be," he said.

“I use this road regularly so I know how important it is for the local university, TAFE and shops which is why I’m so keen to play a part in delivering this upgrade.

“We’re upgrading Loganlea Rd to get people home quicker and safer and to ease congestion but also to cater for growth in our community.

“Projects like this one are important for local jobs and the local economy but also for future proofing Logan City - ensuring we continue to create more jobs and more opportunities for more people in our community.”