Purga residents can now enjoy travelling over a fully upgraded two-lane Purga School Road bridge, with the more than $7.9 million project, southwest of Ipswich, now completed.
The upgrade was supported by $5 million in funding through the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
The old timber bridge has been replaced with a modern two-lane concrete structure, while Purga School Road has been widened to two lanes along the 1.4-kilometre stretch linking Morgans Road and Ipswich Boonah Road.
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP said the completion of the project would benefit the residents of Purga.
“This is a fantastic milestone for the Purga community, and exactly what our Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is designed to deliver,” Ms McBain said.
“The completion of the Purga School Road bridge upgrade is part of our ongoing commitment to improving road safety and connectivity across regional Australia.
“Working closely with the Ipswich City Council, the Australian Government has successfully replaced an ageing, single-lane timber structure with a resilient, modern two-lane concrete bridge.
“This will ensure motorists, heavy vehicles and local families can travel more safely, efficiently and reliably for decades to come.”
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann MP said the new bridge would have long-lasting benefits for the area.
“The Albanese Government’s $5 million funding contribution for the Purga School Road bridge upgrade will help bolster Ipswich’s rural roads and bridges,” Mr Neumann said.
“Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and I have been delighted to work with Ipswich City Council to ensure our local road network is up to scratch.
“This $5 million we are providing to the council will support replacing the ageing timber bridge at Purga School Road with a more durable and safer structure, helping improve the flood resilience of this vital crossing and keeping people safer on our roads.
“It is wonderful to see this project completed. The new bridge will make life much easier for local residents in Purga and surrounding rural communities and help them get home sooner and safer.”
Ipswich City Council Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine said the bridge would improve road safety for Purga residents.
“The reopened bridge, jointly funded by Ipswich City Council and the Australian Government, is a great result for motorists,” Cr Augustine said.
“It is great to see the bridge and surrounding roads reopened.
“This is crucial for some of our rural suburbs, a wonderful outcome for the region.
“This is a big win for residents with council delivering safer rural roads in partnership with the Australian Government.
“This is not just an investment in southeast Queensland’s infrastructure, but in the local community – and this is the type of practical infrastructure our community has been calling for.”
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said council is committed to improving road infrastructure in rural areas of Ipswich.
“The new bridge will also help improve the flood resilience of the vital crossing over Purga Creek and Ipswich’s rural roads for decades to come,” Cr Madsen said.
“Council is committed to our rural communities, and these important road upgrades will make travel safer and easier for the growing Ipswich community.
“This much-needed upgrade will deliver improved connectivity for Ipswich and make a real difference for Purga residents who rely on this connection every day.
“I’d like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while this major bridge replacement was completed.”
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