Rangoon Street Bridge to Close

The old single-lane Rangoon Street Bridge in Khandallah is to be closed on Monday 23 June so construction of a modern two-lane replacement bridge can get under way.

The City Council has awarded contractor Juno Civil the 1.7 million contract to replace the old wooden bridge.

The City Council's Urban Development and Transport Portfolio Chair, Cr Andy Foster, says the existing bridge, over the Johnsonville rail line, is more than 80 years old, and has effectively reached the end of its design life.

It carries up to 1200 vehicles a day - directly on to and off Burma Road. However it is subject to vehicle weight limits that mean only cars and light trucks are allowed to cross.

"The bridge was definitely fit for purpose in the early years of the 20th century – but now, to use a technical term, it's knackered," says Cr Foster. "It's good to announce this important upgrade, which will improve safety and service."

The new bridge will enable heavy emergency service vehicles like fire trucks to cross the bridge - whereas now they cannot do so.

The Council has drawn up designs for the replacement bridge and an improved, and well-lit, intersection of Rangoon Street and Burma Road.

Demolition of the old bridge is expected to start in early July. Most of the bridge timbers, mainly Australian hardwood, will be retained by the Council for future use.

The new bridge is expected to be completed early in 2009.