The Federal Government continues to partner with the City of Ipswich to get high-priority road and community infrastructure projects off the ground, with the replacement of the Hiddenvale Road Bridge in Ipswich’s west now complete.
The more than $4.8 million project will boost road safety and connectivity for the region – supported by over $3.9 million from the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (formerly Bridges Renewal Program) and more than $975,000 from Ipswich City Council.
The project replaced an existing one lane timber bridge over Western Creek on Hiddenvale Road with a two-lane concrete structure, to improve safety and access for local motorists and heavy load vehicles.
The existing timber bridge was in poor condition and difficult to maintain, and at 65 years old, had reached the end of its lifespan.
Work began in September last year to construct the new bridge, which will now cater to the needs of modern heavy vehicles, including livestock and freight movements, emergency response vehicles and public transport, including buses.
Along with upgrading the single lane bridge to a two-lane, pedestrians will also enjoy safer access, with construction also including new culvert crossings and new road formations and approaches.
The new bridge will support improved safety and community access during disasters, with the works providing more resilience to bushfires and flood immunity.
Minister for Regional Development and Local Government the Honourable Kristy McBain MP said regional bridges are of critical importance to keeping communities safely and reliably connected, including during flood events.
“It’s fantastic to see construction of the Hiddenvale Road Bridge complete,” Minister McBain said.
“It is essential that local infrastructure keeps pace with population growth, and the Albanese Government is proud to partner with the City of Ipswich to deliver priority projects that will have a lasting impact.”
Federal Member for Blair the Honourable Shayne Neumann MP said the new bridge is a great outcome travellers through west Ipswich.
“Motorists and freight handlers can now have confidence crossing this bridge due to improved reliability, safety and efficiency of access,” Mr Neumann said.
“Delivering this long-term fix for the Hiddenvale Road bridge is a major win for our community, and ensures that all traffic can travel safely, whether heavy vehicles, emergency personnel or families heading to school and work.”
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the Hiddenvale Road bridge replacement is the latest example of council’s focus on upgrading local infrastructure across the city, where and when it is needed.
“Ipswich has just experienced one of its biggest quarterly population increases in recent years and as the city now surpasses 260,000 residents, investment in local infrastructure has never been more important,” Mayor Harding said.
“This is a great example of different levels of governments working together to deliver the infrastructure our growing city needs.”
Ipswich City Council Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Antoniolli thanked the Australian Government for its contribution to the upgrade.
“Council cannot fund all of the important infrastructure needed for the community by itself,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“From our city’s largest ever upgrades on our busiest local thoroughfares to intersection upgrades and bridge replacements, it all plays an important role in preparing for our city’s growth.
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said the new concrete bridge’s capacity to carry heavier vehicles will benefit local residents as well as those passing through.
“While it is sad to see the old craftsmanship of the 1960s timber bridge go, the ability for this new bridge to carry heavier vehicles is essential for the community’s needs,” Cr Madsen said.
“It’s great to see this latest timber bridge replacement now complete, following a similar upgrade to Keanes Bridge in late 2023.”
Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine said access was maintained on the timber bridge throughout construction while work to build the new concrete structure was underway.
“With the new concrete bridge now operational, the old timber bridge has been demolished,” Cr Augustine said.
“It’s great to see our rural infrastructure being modernised and as always I’m grateful to local residents for driving safely around roadworks throughout construction.”
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