A bridge to better Rokewood roads

ROKEWOOD’S Reserve Road bridge has been given a major facelift following a replacement of the old single lane timber structure.

Drivers will now travel along a double lane, concrete bridge complete with guardrails over Kuruc A Ruc Creek and mayor Cr Helena Kirby said the safer bridge is a benefit for the Rokewood community.

“It’s terrific to see that works have now been completed to replace the old, single lane bridge over the Kuruc A Ruc Creek with a double lane and unrestricted structure, that is safer for all bridge-users.

“Golden Plains Shire is home to many older bridges, and thanks to the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, we’ve been able to get on and upgrade the Reserve Road Bridge for the benefit of the surrounding community.”

The upgrade also included improved road alignment and approaches and Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said, “replacing old timber bridges with better concrete bridges ensures that important regional road links are safer, more reliable and more efficient”.

The works were funded in partnership by the Australian Government and Council, with just over $541,000 spent on the project from a total of just over $1.3 million in Government funding awarded to shovel ready projects in the Shire as part of their COVID-19 response efforts.

A total six projects were carried out with that funding and mayor Cr Kirby said the replacement bridge is one of four similar works.

“Reserve Road Bridge is first of four bridge upgrade projects that Council will complete in 2021, with works underway or soon to begin on bridges in Meredith, Rokewood and Rokewood Junction.”

Currently in the works are the Slate Quarry and Geggies Roads bridges in Meredith and Rokewood, while Paddys Gully Road bridge in Rokewood Junction is set to be replaced later this year.