Excavator Hits Bridge, Blocking Bruce Highway on Sunshine Coast
Traffic on the Bruce Highway has come to a standstill on the Sunshine Coast following a serious incident involving an excavator. The machine, while being towed, collided with the Ilkley Road bridge near Tanawha shortly before 9 am today, resulting in significant damage and obstructing the highway’s southbound lanes.
Incident Details
The accident prompted immediate police action, leading to the closure of the northbound lanes to facilitate traffic redirection. As a result, southbound drivers were directed to Maroochydore Road, while those heading north utilized the Sunshine Motorway. Debris from the bridge fell onto the highway, complicating the situation further.
Acting Inspector Scott Wiggins reported that the northbound lanes were reopened by Transport and Main Roads just before 11 am. However, he indicated that the southbound lanes remained closed due to extensive bridge damage. “This is a dangerous situation for motorists,” he noted from the scene, emphasizing the ongoing traffic congestion as authorities managed diversion routes.
Investigation Underway
Preliminary assessments suggest that the excavator’s boom was elevated too high, causing it to strike the bridge’s underside. Fortunately, police confirmed there were no injuries reported. The driver is currently assisting authorities with mandatory testing, and police are working on determining the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
- Time of Incident: Just before 9 am
- Location: Ilkley Road bridge, Tanawha
- Damage: Significant cracks and missing chunks from the bridge
- Status: Southbound lanes of the Bruce Highway blocked
Engineers from the Department of Transport have been dispatched to evaluate the bridge’s structural integrity. Authorities are urging drivers to steer clear of the area until the situation is resolved.
Motorists should anticipate delays as clean-up efforts and inspections could take additional time. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
