Council approves works to save Rollingstone bridge

Work to save Rollingstone’s wooden bridge is set to go ahead after council today awarded the $644,000 rebuild to CivilPlus Pty Ltd.

The bridge over lower Rollingstone Creek was closed in late April after routine inspection found white ants and dry rot had badly damaged the substructure, rendering it unsafe.

Infrastructure Committee Chairman Cr Trevor Roberts said today’s decision to award the tender to CivilPlus to design and construct the work was great news for the local community.

"Residents and emergency services have relied on the bridge over the years to provide a safe and convenient crossing over the creek without having to go on the highway," Cr Roberts said.

"Council staff have worked very hard since the problems were discovered to come up with a viable plan to repair the bridge and this is a great outcome for Rollingstone and nearby communities.

"The successful tender from CivilPlus will ensure the cost of the project comes in under the council’s anticipated $1 million budget this year."

Local councillor Cr Sue Blom welcomed the council’s decision.

"Local residents have relied heavily on the bridge and we’re all eager to see the work start as soon as possible."

Today’s decision clears the way for design work to be finalised with work scheduled to start in December and the project expected to be completed in May.

The scope of the works includes reinforcement of the existing support structure and southern abutment, and removal and replacement of the bridge’s super structure.

Council budgeted $1 million for the project in the 2015/16 budget but also resolved to submit the project for funding under the Federal Government’s Bridge Renewal Program.

In submitting the winning tender, CivilPlus indicated a commitment to using local material, labour and equipment for the project.

The works were recommended by council’s Infrastructure Services Division following a detailed engineering report prepared with input from timber bridge consultants.