Take a drive on the newly rehabilitated Ivan Jack Drive
Published: 04 Apr 2025 11:00am
One of Wagga Wagga’s key connector roads between the north and south of the city centre over the Wollundry Lagoon has reopened to traffic following the completion of major rehabilitation works.
The project involved structural improvements to the approaches at either end of the Ivan Jack Drive Bridge and rehabilitation of the road from The Esplanade-Best Street intersection to the Johnston-Trail streets roundabout.
The stretch of road was closed to all road users and pedestrians for the duration of the works, which began in February 2025.
Senior Project Manager Krishan Maharaj said Council appreciated the patience the community has shown in responding to the disruption to traffic flow.
“We know the closure of the road caused some inconvenience to residents and road users, but they have been very supportive of the works,” Mr Maharaj said.
“They have been really understanding of the importance of this project being carried out, knowing that the end result is going to be an improvement on their trip through this space.”
The bridge rehabilitation works included pouring new concrete footings and walls, along with new wing walls, providing important structural improvements to the approaches at either end of the bridge.
The stabilisation and rehabilitation are designed to increase the longevity in the lifespan of the bridge without having to do any major structural work to it.
As part of this first phase of works, Council crews also reinstated stormwater drainage at both ends of the bridge.
On 20 March, contractors began the road rehabilitation phase, addressing the uneven approaches to the bridge by lifting the road, kerb and guttering, and footpath to the finished surface level of the bridge structure.
The final step was the application of deep lift asphalt pavement to the full length of Ivan Jack Drive, with the wearing course applied on Wednesday and Thursday this week (2-3 April).
“We think road users will be very pleased with the improvement in the ride quality for their vehicles or bikes,” Mr Maharaj said.
“The rehabilitation has strengthened the pavement, providing a safer and smoother surface for all road users.
“It’s great to see yet another road improvement project completed in our city centre, after the major rehabilitation works on Forsyth, Berry and Morgan streets in the second half of last year (2024).”
The project has been funded under Council’s Bridge Replacement Reserve and Civil Infrastructure Reserve and its existing annual roadworks program for 2024-2025.
