PURGA residents are crossing a safer and more flood-resilient bridge following the completion of a major $7.9 million upgrade to Purga School Road.
The project has transformed a key rural transport route, replacing an ageing single-lane timber bridge with a modern two-lane concrete structure and widening a 1.4-kilometre section of road between Morgans Road and Ipswich Boonah Road.
Jointly funded by Ipswich City Council and the Australian Government, the project received $5 million through the Federal Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
The upgrade is expected to significantly improve safety, travel efficiency and reliability for local residents, school families, farmers, freight operators and emergency services who rely on the crossing every day.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain said the project demonstrated the value of investing in regional infrastructure that delivered practical benefits for local communities.
“This is a fantastic milestone for the Purga community and exactly what our Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is designed to deliver,” she 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.”
The previous timber bridge had served the community for decades but was increasingly unable to meet the demands of modern traffic volumes and heavy vehicle movements.
The new concrete bridge provides a safer crossing for motorists while also improving flood resilience across the corridor, helping maintain access during severe weather events.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the investment would strengthen Ipswich’s rural road network as the region continued to experience rapid population growth.
“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,” Mr Neumann said.
“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.”
Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine said the completed project represented an important investment in Ipswich’s rural communities.
“This is a big win for residents with council delivering safer rural roads in partnership with the Australian Government,” Cr Augustine said.
“It is great to see the bridge and surrounding roads reopened and available for the community.”
Fellow Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said the benefits of the project would be felt for generations.
“The new bridge will help improve the flood resilience of this vital crossing over Purga Creek and support Ipswich’s rural roads for decades to come,” Cr Madsen said.
“This much-needed upgrade will deliver improved connectivity and make a real difference for Purga residents who rely on this connection every day.”
