04-10-2022
Work has begun on the new bridge on Cooksvale Road in Peelwood.
It is estimated that the work, which began on Monday 26 September, will take around two months to complete.
“We’ve already received the materials from InQuik Bridging Systems, who fabricated the bridges, so the construction contractor Bridge and Civil were able to start on it straight away,” said Manager of Works Robert Johnson.
“This new bridge will be built adjacent and upstream from the existing bridge.”
The existing bridge is a temporary bailey bridge which was installed in December 2021 that was installed as an interim measure in place of the timber bridge it replaced.
The new bridge will be 22m long with a width of 4.8m. Funding for the bridge consisted of 50% funding from the Federal Government’s Bridges Renewal Program, 45% funding from the State Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program, and 5% from the Upper Lachlan Shire Council.
At the time of the installation of the temporary Bailey Bridge, the Peelwood Creek Bridge at Cooksvale Road was one of three remaining timber bridges to be replaced in the Shire. Ten other timber bridges have been replaced over the last three years.
State Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman applauded the effort of Upper Lachlan Shire Council in replacing 11 of the 15 timber bridges in such a short time frame.
“The replacement of these old timber bridges means improved community connections to town and – when we are no longer staying at home – school and sport,” she said.
“The upgraded bridges also allow for easier movement of freight and delivers better road safety for everyone.
“Support from the NSW and Federal Governments has eased the financial burden for ULSC and allowed for the replacement of the decommissioned bridges quickly, at a time when it’s needed most.
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor concurred with those sentiments, saying this is an excellent example of all three levels of government working together.
“Upper Lachlan has many bridges to maintain, so it’s fantastic the federal and state government can help to deliver these projects and replace aging infrastructure,” he said.