A load limit will be imposed on the Tom Kerle Bridge at Calvert later this month, due to the bridge’s deteriorating condition.
From Monday, 29 June a permanent 15 tonne gross load limit will be imposed on the bridge.
Ipswich City Council undertakes regular maintenance activities, as well as bridge and culvert inspections, to keep them safe and maintained for the Ipswich community.
During one of these regular inspections it was identified that the Tom Kerle Bridge was deteriorating quicker than expected.
Council ordered an independent structural assessment on the timber bridge which indicated that continued usage by heavy vehicles could cause further damage to its structure and integrity.
Division 1 Councillor Sheila Ireland said imposing the load limit was a matter of safety.
“The new load limit on the Tom Kerle Bridge will ensure the safety of motorists and prolong the life of the structure,” she said.
Tom Kerle Bridge follows Hiddenvale Road and connects Gipps Street and Neumann Road in Calvert.
Vehicles impacted by the load limit are advised to detour via Grandchester Mount Mort Road.
Council will consider the construction of a new bridge in coming years as part of its continued investment in its bridges and culverts across the Ipswich region.
Cr Ireland said it was important that the community abide by the new load limit in the meantime.
“While it may be inconvenient for some road users, public safety must be at the forefront,” she said.
Well that now stops residents getting their dams cleaned out or any fire breaks done doesn’t it, as the other access to the area is also restrictive to large machinery coming in to fix anything. Might be time to leave this so called city for better country 🤬
Sounds like the same story as with the Herbert Str bridge, next the bridge will be permanently closed same as the Herbert st bridge.
I think ICC needs to upgrade the bridge and create more bridges with pathways along them.