The crossing over the Kuruc A Ruc Creek on Geggies Road in Rokewood is now safer and smoother, thanks to the replacement of the old bridge.
Works were recently completed on replacing the old single-lane, load-limited bridge with a two-lane concrete bridge with guardrails. The new bridge is not load limited and is approximately one metre higher than the previous bridge, which allowed the original bluestone abutments to be left in place. Construction commenced in February 2021 to remove the old bridge which was restricting the future expansion of existing livestock businesses in the area.
The new bridge has significantly improved safety over the creek for approximately 30 farming and grazing properties, allowing light and heavy vehicles full access to these important work sites. Families in the area who use the local school bus will also benefit from the bridge replacement, with the new bridge to cut out the current 10km daily detour to avoid the old structure.
The $517,800 Geggies Road Bridge Replacement Project was funded equally by Council and the Australian Government from Round 5 of its Bridges Renewal Program, with the works completed by a Golden Plains-based company.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby said the new bridge is already providing real benefits to the local community.
“The new two-lane bridge is an impressive sight compared to what was here just a few months ago. The wider crossing is much safer with the guardrails, and already I’ve had positive feedback from one of the neighbours who was excited to be the first to cross over the bridge when it was reopened to traffic.
“In Golden Plains, many of our bridges have served our residents for decades so it’s wonderful that we were able to retain the old bluestone abutments underneath Geggies Road Bridge as a reminder of the structure’s long history.
“It’s been a busy year so far for bridge and road building in Golden Plains Shire, and Council is pleased to deliver the replacement of Geggies Road Bridge with funding from the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program. I want to thank the Australian Government for partnering with Council on this project.”
