The works are set to begin later this month. Photo: Google Maps.
The start date for the construction of a new bridge for Reschs Creek, costing more than $4 million, has been locked in for later this month.
The existing crossing near Hoskinstown connects to Rossi and the nearby area, and crosses Yandyguinula Creek.
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council’s (QPRC) website states the causeway floods “regularly”.
The new two-lane concrete bridge will be built 130 metres downstream of the current crossing and be 4.5 metres higher.
Nearby signage for Yandyguinula Creek will also be installed, while the Hoskinstown Road-Rossi Road intersection will be upgraded.
Further details about the project are revealed in a major planning document examining its environmental impacts.
That report recommends progressing with the new bridge to improve road safety and community connectivity.
The document states the upgrades will occur within the existing road reserve, as well as on some adjacent landholdings.
“The proposal includes upgrading sections of Rossi Road and Hoskinstown Road either side of the crossing, as well as the removal of the existing low-level causeway crossing and single pipe culvert, and replacement with a wider, dual lane and elevated bridge,” it states.
The council’s website lists the project’s cost as about $4,500,000, with contractor HD Civil Pty Ltd to carry out the works.
Nearby Briars Sharrow Road is closed as work to build a replacement bridge continues, while Foxlow Bridge remains closed indefinitely amid long-standing worries about its condition.
But it’s better news for motorists needing to use the crossing at Reschs Creek – it won’t be closed.
“The new bridge is being built on a different alignment, and these repairs will ensure the current low-level crossing can remain open to heavy traffic during the project,” a council spokesperson confirmed.
The council spokesperson said QPRC expected this project to have minimal impact on traffic, including for nearby residents.
According to the council spokesperson, residents can expect work to begin next week.
“Works on site for the new bridge are expected to begin on 18 May,” they said.
“Initial works for the first couple of weeks will include site establishment, building internal tracks, geotechnical investigations and further survey work.”
There will be “minor repairs to the concrete deck” on the existing crossing.
It’s hoped this will ensure safety for additional vehicles, including construction traffic, while the new bridge is built.
“We are making some minor repairs to the existing crossing so that it will remain suitable for heavy vehicle traffic while the new bridge is being constructed,” the spokesperson said.
If the weather allows, those works will be carried out on Thursday evening (21 May), between 10 pm and 5 am.
At a later date (to be confirmed with NSW Fisheries), there will also be overnight asphalt surfacing works.
“They are being done as night works to minimise impact on the community.”
The project is expected to wrap up in December.
