Restoring access for Brisbane’s western suburbs following the 2022 floods

Colleges Crossing at Mount Crosby was one of several key river crossings quickly reopened by Transport and Main Roads (TMR) following the record rainfall experienced across south-east Queensland in late February 2022.

As the region was inundated with water, nearby dams reached capacity and had to undertake regular water releases.

Colleges Crossing on Mount Crosby Road goes over the Brisbane River just downstream from Wivenhoe Dam, where a total of 520mm fell over just three days, from 25 to 27 February 2022.

Due to the volume of water from the rain, river tides and dam releases, the bridge was submerged for more than a week.

Mount Crosby Road is one of the few access points for Brisbane's western suburbs, so having this important route out of action impacted many residents and business in the area.

It also created additional pressure and congestion on surrounding roads including Warrego Highway and Centenary Motorway, the major connectors nearby.

Once the river level dropped and dam releases were completed on 7 March 2022, TMR inspected the bridge and cleaned the area so the road could be reopened to traffic.

Despite being underwater for more than a week, the structure itself was in relatively good condition, however, an extensive clean-up was required.

TMR crews prioritised the clean-up of Colleges Crossing and asphalt repairs were completed at both the bridge and culvert locations.

Colleges Crossing was reopened to traffic on 9 March 2022, approximately 10 days after being severely impacted by some of the worst flooding Queensland has ever seen.

The extent and cost of damage to the bridge continues to be assessed.

Assistance was provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).