Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will construct a new pedestrian bridge over West Creek in Alderley Street, Kearneys Spring, to improve safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Alderley Street pedestrian bridge will link to the existing footpath making it easier for active transport users to walk or ride in the local area.
TRC Infrastructure Portfolio Leader Councillor Melissa Taylor said a new bridge was required to address existing safety issues and to encourage active transport in and around Toowoomba city.
"The current bridge is in poor condition and sagging significantly across its span," Cr Taylor said.
"Pedestrians experience noticeable movement when using the bridge and it does not comply with current standards and guidelines.
"The new bridge will be manufactured off site and placed in its new location by a crane which is expected to access the area via Pierce Street."
"Council is proudly funding the project at a cost of $350,000 and it will be designed and constructed by local company, Wagners.
Built in the 1980s, the existing wooden bridge located west of Ruthven Street has reached the end of its life and will be replaced with a bridge built using Wagners' Composite Fibre Technology (CFT).
The replacement bridge structure will span across the west creek channel and will be four metres wide to comfortably and safely accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.
"The new bridge is expected to be open to pedestrians and cyclists in April 2022, once it's installed and adjacent footpath works are completed," Cr Taylor said.
"Council apologises for any inconvenience while the bridge is built and installed and thanks the community for their patience and co-operation."
"There is great potential for Toowoomba to have high levels of active transport and as we grow our Region there is a need to make walking and cycling more convenient, safer and more attractive to residents, or our city and towns will become congested as more people choose to drive for short trips.
"Council is also always looking for new ways to encourage community members to incorporate walking or cycling into their daily routines for leisure or to improve their health and well-being."
