Posted 01 June 2026
Dorset Council has awarded the contract for the replacement of two key bridge structures on Haas Road at Legerwood and Jensens Road at North Scottsdale as part of its ongoing commitment to improving the reliability and resilience of the municipality’s transport network.
Council is responsible for a network of 114 bridge assets across the municipality, including concrete, timber and pedestrian structures. More than 90 of these bridges are currently rated in very good or good condition, reflecting a sustained program of asset upgrades and renewals delivered in recent years.
The contract has been awarded to Hazell Bros Pty Ltd, who will undertake the design and construction of replacement bridges at Bridge 1572 over Frenchs Creek on Haas Road and Bridge 1569 over the Great Forester River on Jensens Road. These works form part of Council’s ongoing bridge renewal program aimed at maintaining high-quality infrastructure across the network.
The works will involve replacing the existing timber bridges with modern concrete structures designed to provide more durable and resilient assets with an expected service life of between 80 and 100 years. Projects such as these contribute directly to the strong overall condition of Council’s large bridge network.
The Frenchs Creek Bridge on Haas Road is being supported through the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to the amount of $330,400. Funding is based on an 80 per cent Australian Government and 20 per cent Council funding arrangement.
Construction is scheduled to commence in early July 2026 and will require the closure of Haas Road and Jensens Road for approximately two weeks while the works are undertaken.
Dorset Council will provide advance notice of the closures through its print and social media channels, as well as on-site signage, to ensure residents, businesses, and road users are informed ahead of the works.
Where possible and consistent with the project’s workplace health and safety requirements, access will be maintained for local residents and businesses during construction.
Mayor Rhys Beattie said the project represents an important investment in the long-term reliability of Dorset’s bridge infrastructure network.
“These upgrades will provide safer, more durable infrastructure that will continue to support local communities, freight operators, and regional economic activity for many decades to come,” Mayor Beattie said.
“With a large and diverse bridge network to manage, Council is committed to ongoing renewal and maintenance to ensure our assets remain in strong condition, and this project is a key example of that work in action.”
“The replacement of ageing timber bridge decks with modern concrete structures will significantly improve the resilience and reliability of these important local road connections.”
Council appreciates the community’s patience during the construction period and encourages motorists to plan ahead and observe all signage and traffic management measures in place during the works.