Construction milestone crossed on upgrade to Purga School Road bridge
Published on 23 December 2025
Upgrades to the Purga School Road bridge have crossed a major construction milestone with the installation of bridge deck units, paving the way for final works.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said it was a major milestone in council’s $7.9 million Purga School Road upgrade, which is supported by $5 million in funding through the Federal Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
“This upgrade is a big win for Purga. We are replacing the old timber bridge with a modern two-lane concrete structure and widening Purga School Road to two lanes between the 1.6-kilometre stretch linking Morgans Road and Ipswich Boonah Road,” Mayor Harding said.
“Installing the bridge deck units is a major milestone that sees the new Purga School Road bridge truly take shape as we begin final works.
“Ipswich City Council is committed to our rural communities, and these important road upgrades will make travel safer and easier for the growing Ipswich community, which is on track to hit more than half a million by 2046.”
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the Albanese Government’s $5-million majority funding contribution for the Purga School Road bridge upgrade would provide a much-needed boost to Ipswich’s rural road and bridge network.
“Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, which is why we are delivering funding where it’s needed to ensure our local road network remains fit-for-purpose,” Mr Neumann said.
“This $5 million we are providing to Ipswich City Council will support replacing the ageing bridge at Purga School Road with a more durable and safer structure, and will help improve the flood resilience of this vital crossing over Purga Creek and Ipswich’s rural roads for decades to come.
“It was exciting to see the laying of deck for the new bridge this week and the incredible progress that’s been made since works started a few months ago. I can’t wait to see the completed project.”
Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said the milestone brought council one step closer to delivering safer and more reliable road access for residents.
“With $54.7 million set aside in council’s 2025–2026 Budget for maintaining, upgrading and expanding the Ipswich road network, our rural areas are seeing the benefit of this significant investment,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“Council is appreciative of the Federal Government’s support as part of the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, which is helping us keep pace with the enormous growth across the Ipswich region.”
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said the Purga School Road bridge upgrades will lead to safer, more reliable and smoother journeys for everyday commuters.
“This is not just an investment in south east Queensland’s infrastructure, but in the local community – and this is the type of practical infrastructure our community has been calling for,” Cr Madsen said.
“This much-needed upgrade will deliver improved connectivity for Ipswich and make a real difference for Purga residents who rely on this connection every day.”
Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine said the Purga School Road upgrade will be completed in April 2026.
“I thank residents for their patience as we work through the final stages of this project, which is on track to finish by late April 2026,” Cr Augustine said.
“Once completed, the new two-lane bridge and road upgrades will see improved road safety and connectivity for the people of Purga for decades to come.”