THE replacement for the old timber bridge at Keanes Road, Rosewood has opened to traffic.
The new concrete structure replaced the timber bridge, which was built around 1940.
The old bridge was judged by the Ipswich City Council as no longer fit for purpose and required costly maintenance. In its stead, a new structure was considered to be a more cost-effective and value-for-money solution.
The $2.2 million new concrete bridge over Hopper Crossing on the Bremer River was funded by the Council and the Federal Government’s Bridges Renewal Program, which provided more than $1.7 million towards the project.
Works also included the realignment of the bridge to improve safety for motorists.
The realignment made it possible for the existing bridge to remain in use while construction was carried out. The old structure was to be demolished as soon as the new bridge was operational.
Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the Bridges Renewal Program funded the upgrade and replacement of bridges across Australia, to enhance access and improve freight through local communities.
“We know how important the Keanes Road bridge is for the local community and the Albanese Government is proud to have worked with the Ipswich City Council to deliver this important replacement,” Mr Neumann said.
The name of the crossing recognises the Hopper family. In 1953, the late Henry and Florence Hopper bought their property in Rosewood and were avid community members.
Florence joined the Rosewood Country Women’s Association where she was a member for more than 70 years and she utilised the old wooden bridge on many occasions to travel from her home into Rosewood.
