Improved load capacity and safety for motorists are among the benefits the new Keanes Bridge on Keanes Road at Rosewood will deliver for the community.
Now operational, the new concrete structure replaced the previous timber bridge, which was built around 1940 and had reached the end of its lifespan.
Works included the realignment of the bridge to improve safety for motorists.
The realignment of the new bridge allowed for the existing bridge to remain in use while construction was carried out, allowing for the old structure to be demolished as soon as the new bridge was operational.
The previous timber bridge was no longer fit for purpose and required costly maintenance, meaning a more cost-effective and value-for-money solution for the community was to replace the structure with one that meets current standards.
The $2.2 million new concrete bridge over Hopper Crossing on the Bremer River was funded in partnership between Ipswich City Council and the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program, which provided over $1.7 million towards the project.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP said this was a part of their ongoing partnership with local governments.
“We’re investing $85 million per year to support them to upgrade and replace ageing bridges across our regional and rural communities,” Ms McBain said.
“As bridges meet the end of their operational life and as communities outside big cities expand, we’re ensuring that local infrastructure meets current and future demand.
“This bridge replacement improves road safety, enables local businesses to better deliver and receive their products and services, and reduces long-term maintenance expenses for Ipswich City Council.”
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann MP said the Albanese Government was proud to have worked with Ipswich City Council to deliver this important replacement.
“We know how important the Keanes Bridge is for the local community…This project will allow local residents and visitors to travel in greater safety, and assist local businesses to connect with markets and customers more efficiently,” Mr Neumann said.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair and Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the old bridge was no longer fit for purpose and the new bridge was more durable and allowed for the Rosewood community to continue using the road.
“By securing this funding and working collaboratively with the Australian Government to deliver this project, council has provided a safer, permanent crossing for the community and eliminated the need for a temporary low-level crossing,” Mayor Harding said.
The new Keanes Bridge at Hoppers Crossing will improve connectivity in the Rosewood region. The bridge is just a couple of minutes from John Street, including the iconic Rosewood Hotel, pictured here circa 2010. Photo source: Picture Ipswich.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said as Ipswich continued to grow in the years ahead, the new bridge would be of significant benefit.
“More and more people are choosing to call Ipswich home and this new concrete bridge will not only benefit residents today, but also ensure our local road network is better able to accommodate the expected population growth into the future,” Cr Tully said.
Deputy Mayor and Division 4 Councillor Russell Milligan said Keanes Bridge was an important link connecting the community and the funding allowed construction of a long-lasting carriageway.
“The realignment of the bridge during this upgrade has also improved safety for motorists and allowed for the old structure to be demolished as soon as the new bridge was operational,” Deputy Mayor Milligan said.
“Our community is grateful for the funding and we look forward to local businesses benefiting from the construction.”
Division 4 Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said the new bridge would benefit the community for many years to come as it had been designed with a 100-year lifespan in mind.
“It has improved road geometry on both the entry and exits either side of the bridge and improved road safety including new barriers and culvert upgrades to assist with drainage,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
Division 1 Councillor Sheila Ireland said council was grateful the Australian Government for supporting the project.
“This has enabled a much safer, longer lasting user-friendly bridge for the community of Ipswich and visitors who will depend on it,” Cr Ireland said.
“Council cannot fund all of the important infrastructure we need for our community by itself and I want to thank the Australian Government for helping us to deliver this upgrade.”
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>> Repair works to begin at Rosewood centre
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