New Keanes Bridge connecting the community
22 November 2023
Improved load capacity and safety for motorists are among the benefits the new Keanes Bridge on Keanes Road at Rosewood will deliver for the community.
Now operational, the new concrete structure replaced the previous timber bridge, which was built around 1940 and had reached the end of its lifespan.
Works included the realignment of the bridge to improve safety for motorists.
The realignment of the new bridge allowed for the existing bridge to remain in use while construction was carried out, allowing for the old structure to be demolished as soon as the new bridge was operational.
The previous timber bridge was no longer fit for purpose and required costly maintenance, meaning a more cost-effective and value-for-money solution for the community was to replace the structure with one that meets current standards.
The $2.2 million new concrete bridge over Hopper Crossing on the Bremer River was funded in partnership between Ipswich City Council and the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program, which provided over $1.7 million towards the project.
For more information about council upgrades, visit: maps.ipswich.qld.gov.au/civicprojects.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:
“As part of our ongoing partnership with local governments, we’re investing $85 million per year to support them to upgrade and replace ageing bridges across our regional and rural communities.
“As bridges meet the end of their operational life and as communities outside big cities expand, we’re ensuring that local infrastructure meets current and future demand.
“This bridge replacement improves road safety, enables local businesses to better deliver and receive their products and services, and reduces long-term maintenance expenses for Ipswich City Council.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Blair, the Hon Shayne Neumann MP:
“We know how important the Keanes 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.
“This project will allow local residents and visitors to travel in greater safety, and assist local businesses to connect with markets and customers more efficiently.”
Quotes attributable to Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair and Ipswich Mayor, Teresa Harding:
“The old bridge was no longer fit for purpose and this new bridge is more durable and allows for the Rosewood community to continue using this road.
“By securing this funding and working collaboratively with the Australian Government to deliver this project, council has provided a safer, permanent crossing for the community and eliminated the need for a temporary low-level crossing.”
Quotes attributable to Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Paul Tully:
“As Ipswich continues to grow in the years ahead, the new bridge will be of significant benefit.
“More and more people are choosing to call Ipswich home and this new concrete bridge will not only benefit residents today, but also ensure our local road network is better able to accommodate the expected population growth into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Mayor and Division 4 Councillor Russell Milligan:
“Keanes Bridge is an important link connecting our community and this funding has allowed construction of a long-lasting carriageway.
“The realignment of the bridge during this upgrade has also improved safety for motorists and allowed for the old structure to be demolished as soon as the new bridge was operational.
“Our community is grateful for the funding and we look forward to local businesses benefiting from the construction.”
Quotes attributable to Division 4 Councillor Kate Kunzelmann:
“The new bridge will benefit the community for many years to come as it has been designed with a 100-year lifespan in mind.
“It has improved road geometry on both the entry and exits either side of the bridge and improved road safety including new barriers and culvert upgrades to assist with drainage.”
Quotes attributable to Division 1 Councillor Sheila Ireland:
“Our council is grateful the Australian Government is supporting the project which has enabled a much safer, longer lasting user-friendly bridge for the community of Ipswich and visitors who will depend on it.
“Council cannot fund all of the important infrastructure we need for our community by itself and I want to thank the Australian Government for helping us to deliver this upgrade.”