Riggers Road Bridge restored and ready for opening
Works are now complete on the Riggers Road Bridge, with the bridge set to reopen on 16 December 2021.
The Mayor and Councillors would like to invite the community to the official opening of the bridge at 10am on Thursday, 16 December 2021.
The bridge will reopen as a one-way bridge and provide an alternative for vehicles wanting to leave the Big Rig Parklands. The reopening will also provide a direct link from one of Council’s major tourist attractions to the Roma CBD.
Given the specialised nature of the project, Council has been working closely with Wood Research and Design (WRD) and Timber Restoration Systems Pty Ltd (TRS) to complete the restoration works. Some of the key activities completed as part of the restoration project include:
- Replacement and wrapping of several bridge piles
- Strengthening of main girders and centre headstock
- Reconstruction of western end wall
- Installation of new timber kerbing and deck surfacing.
The deck tray originally installed by the Australian Defence Force was retained in the restoration.
The upgrade also includes safety improvements to the existing pedestrian walkway, with improvements to the footpath and installation of new timber handrails.
Federal member for Maranoa David Littleproud, congratulated Maranoa Regional Council in securing Federal Government funding to move the Riggers Road Bridge project from a wish list into a reality.
“I heavily advocated for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to support Councils like Maranoa through COVID-19 and this $275,000 Federal injection proves our commitment to better infrastructure in the bush,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This is a terrific example of our government continuing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with councils and the communities they serve, delivering the funding needed to create jobs, economic stimulus and road and community infrastructure that will benefit Australians well into the future.
“I’m sure locals and visitors will welcome the safety and access improvements to the Big Rig Parklands, along with safety improvements to the Warrego Highway.”
This project has been funded through a $275,000 grant under the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.