A 70-year-old timber bridge in Bucca has been replaced to enhance safety and stability, with plans for its original material to be repurposed in future projects throughout the region.
The Hermans Gully Timber Bridge Replacement project is part of the Bundaberg Regional Council’s Timber Bridge Replacement Program which aims to modernise critical infrastructure.
The Bucca bridge replaces the aging timber bridge with a more durable and low-maintenance concrete culvert structure.
Roads and Infrastructure (rural) portfolio spokesperson Cr Bill Trevor said work to replace the Hermans Gully bridge began in August 2023.
“Despite a slight delay due to weather impacts, the new structure promises significant improvements for the community,” he said.
“The primary goal of this replacement was to enhance safety and reduce ongoing maintenance.
“To achieve this the new bridge includes features such as a wider road, added guardrails, and a resurfaced roadway.
“No load limit changes accompany the new structure, which contrasts with the old bridge’s 15-ton load capacity, indicating the improved capacity and durability.”
Cr Trevor said the original timber bridge was built between 1954 and 1960.
“Plans from the original 1954 bridge design reveal a three-span, two-lane structure with a length of 29.6 meters and a width of up to 6.8 meters between kerbs,” he said.
“The bridge deck, composed of timber planks and supported by original timber piles, highlight the craftsmanship of the mid-20th century.”
He said although it had now been dismantled, the bridge’s history would live on through the utilisation of its material.
“The existing timber from the bridge, which is still in reasonably good condition, has been salvaged and will be used in restoring other timber bridges in our network,” Cr Trevor said.
The project, funded by the Federal Government under the Roads to Recovery Program and Bridge Renewal Program, accommodates an average of 865 vehicles per day.
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