Creek crossing construction complete

WORKS to replace the bridge over Kuruc A Ruc Creek on Geggies Road at Rokewood are now complete, with the new concrete structure set to improve commutes for the area’s farmers and school students.

Mayor Cr Helena Kirby said the replacement bridge is safer than the former single lane span, but still holds onto its original bluestone charm.

“The new two-lane bridge is an impressive sight compared to what was here just a few months ago,” she said.

“The wider crossing is much safer with the guardrails, and already I’ve had positive feedback from one of the neighbours who was excited to be the first to cross over the bridge when it was reopened to traffic.

“In Golden Plains, many of our bridges have served our residents for decades so it’s wonderful that we were able to retain the old bluestone abutments underneath Geggies Road Bridge as a reminder of the structure’s long history.”

With no load limit the new bridge can be used by the local school bus, which previously had to take a 10-kilometre detour daily to avoid the former structure due to its 2.5-tonne load capacity.

Heavy work vehicles can also travel along the new bridge to access approximately 30 farming and grazing sites north of Kuruc A Ruc Creek.

The replacement works were carried out by Golden Plains-based Begbies Contracting and began in February.

The project was funded equally by the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program and Golden Plains Shire, exceeding its original contract of just under $400,000 and totalling $517,800 between the two bodies.

Cr Kirby said, “It’s been a busy year so far for bridge and road building in Golden Plains Shire, and council is pleased to deliver the replacement of Geggies Road Bridge with funding from the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program.”