Taaffe Bridge replacement set to start

Work is set to start on a $1.6 million project to replace Taaffe Bridge near Rathdowney, after the former crossing was washed away in the January 2008 flooding, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.

The bridge, located at crossing number six on Running Creek Road, will be constructed by Main Roads’ construction arm, Roadtek.

Mr Pitt said piles for the new structure, a six-metre wide, five-span, single-lane concrete bridge, were currently being driven.

RoadTek completed a new $2.4 million bridge at crossing number seven in late 2008, he said.

“The causeway at crossing number seven was also washed away in the January 2008 floods, cutting off the road link between Rathdowney in Queensland and Kyogle in New South Wales,” Mr Pitt said

"This is an excellent response by Main Roads and RoadTek to completely replace this bridge over a relatively short period following the catastrophic flood event last year.

“Both projects are funded under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, a joint state and federal government initiative.”

The Taaffe Bridge project is expected to be completed in June 2009, weather permitting.