Paddys Gully Road Bridge in Rokewood Junction will close from Monday 13 September to allow construction to begin on the replacement of the old bridge.
The ageing single span timber bridge over Mount Misery Creek in Rokewood Junction is currently limited to 10 tonnes and is in poor condition.
Works will begin on Monday 13 September to construct a new two-lane reinforced concrete bridge, allowing light and heavy vehicles full access.
The new Paddys Gully Road Bridge is jointly funded by Council and $318,680 from the second round of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. At its July 2021 meeting, Council awarded the $579,856.11 construction contract for the new bridge to Golden Plains-based Begbies Contracting.
To allow major construction works to commence, Paddys Gully Road will be closed to traffic and pedestrians at the bridge site from Monday 13 September, 2021 to Friday 24 December, 2021. Advisory and warning signs will be in place, and Council requests residents and drivers allow extra time for trips through the area. The new bridge is expected to open in late December 2021.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby said replacing the old timber bridge was great news for the local community, and welcomed the start of construction.
“It is exciting to see works will soon get underway on Council’s fourth bridge renewal project of 2021. The local community will be pleased to see Paddys Gully Road Bridge replaced with a safer double-lane bridge, increasing access to this area of the Shire.
“Council is pleased to partner with the Federal Government to deliver this important project and that a local firm has been commissioned to construct this vital infrastructure.
“To allow the new bridge to be built, the existing bridge needs to close for some time. I encourage all locals and businesses to allow extra travel time if they need to travel through the area and I’m sure the finished result will be worth the upcoming closure.”