THE old timber bridge at Purga School Road is soon to be replaced.
In a $7.97 million government funded project, a two-lane road bridge and the approaches will be constructed and the road re-aligned.
Ipswich Council will contribute $2.97 million and the Federal Government $5 million to fund the project on the 36m long timber bridge which is currently load restricted to single-lane traffic.
The Purga bridge is one of 16 road upgrade projects across the country sharing in more than $33.7 million under the Regional Road Safety program.
More than $18.8 million is on hand to help finance the upgrading of old and worn timber bridges.
Another $14.8 million will fund improvements to roads used in freight routes, including the installation of intersections, widening roads, sealing roads and installing safety barriers.
The Federal Government has also established the $200 million Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program – a $50 million boost which is now open for applications.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the Bridges Renewal Program funding would help to revitalise the city’s rural road network.
“This $5 million being delivered to Ipswich City Council will support replacing the ageing bridge at Purga School Road with a more durable and safer structure to keep people safer on our roads.
“This project will improve the flood immunity of this vital bridge and deliver much-needed improvements to Ipswich’s rural roads network and improve safety on our roads.”
