THE ball is back in Council’s court on a preferred design for Lansdowne Bridge’s replacement.
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But while the back and forth continues on this point, one aspect seems assured.
The state significant 1902 De Burgh Truss bridge will be demolished – according to the RMS at least – to make way for the new structure.
“Council and the Roads and Maritime Service have agreed demolition of the old bridge is the safest option,” a RMS spokesman told the Post.
Mayor Geoff Kettle and general manager Warwick Bennett met with RMS officers in Wollongong recently.
They put up an alternative design, locating the new bridge slightly to the north of the current structure.
The option, discussed at last month’s Council meeting, was proposed by Mr Bennett to appease community concern about the closure of Forbes St.
His plan kept Forbes St open and reduced land acquisition costs. It also left open the possibility of saving the bridge.
But Mr Bennett said RMS did not give any specific commitment.
“The ball has been thrown back in Council’s court,” he said.
“A number of options have been put up by Council, the community and RMS. They want to know Council’s preferred design.”
Mr Bennett will draft a report for the October Council meeting. It’s the second time councillors have been asked for a direction. The first time, councillors agreed to demolish the bridge and for RMS to replace it with a new concrete structure “Good quality dialogue” would follow.
RMS would then price the preferred option if they deemed it viable, Mr Bennett said.
But while the Service three years ago was keen to retain the heritage structure, that’s no longer the case.
It’s music to the ears of Mayor Geoff Kettle who says Council does not have the money to maintain the old bridge, how ever old.
“I would like to ask those people who want it retained where they expect us to find the funds,” he said.
“Why would we take on a deteriorating asset?” While RMS has two options to consider, he says the original plan, replacing the bridge on the existing alignment is “best for the longterm.”
“I understand the concerns and frustrations of residents using Forbes St but it will still be available in emergencies,” he said.
“If there was a flood or whatever, our staff would be the first ones there opening it up.”