Design changes were developed in view of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in the USA in 2005.

The bridge will be 2.72km long, and will be some 35m east of the original.

A strong field had expressed interest in building the new bridge, including contenders with international links, said Main Roads minister Warren Pitt. "The Hull-Albern Joint Venture was awarded the contract because of its ability to meet the bridge's unique design and durability specifications," he said.

Work is likely to start within the next month and the bridge is scheduled to open to traffic by the end of the 2009-10 financial year. The existing bridge will then be upgraded.