COUNCILLORS have ignored the advice of the Roads and Maritime Service in a move set to cost the State Government more than two million dollars.
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They last Tuesday opted in favour of a straight through building alteration to Lansdowne Bridge – a 1902 De Burgh truss structure destined for the scrap heap.
Their decision could culminate in the temporary closure of Forbes Street and increase the Roads and Maritime Service’s [RMS] bill to the tune of $2.2 million.
The historic structure, which joins Eastgrove to South Goulburn over Mulwaree Ponds, has been in Council’s cross-hairs since 2007.
The State Government has agreed to foot the bill for a complete restructure due to regular flooding of the bridge. It was closed for lengthy periods in December of 2010 and again in March of 2012. Both deluges were referred as “once in a hundred year floods”.
Before any work can begin, however, the RMS requested Council’s guidance as to their preferred restructure option.
Councillors agreed to continue with the bridge reconstruction project by building it closer to its existing line, rather than making a bee-line towards Forbes Street before veering back onto Bungonia Road.
The upgraded bridge will be more than 30 metres longer than anticipated in plans drawn up in 2007. The straight through option will require more earthworks, greater use of utilities, larger amounts of spoil waste and the acquisition of at least two properties.
Once complete the bridge will be 101 metres in length – dwarfing the once planned 71m piece of infrastructure.
Furthermore, this option will cause the closure of Forbes Street and impact local traffic for more than 12 months. Eastgrove residents have expressed their concerns over any proposed closure of Forbes Street – citing hindrances to emergency service personnel as their major qualm.
In his report to last Tuesday’s meeting, Council’s General Manager Warwick estimated the upgrade would be complete by as late as 2016.
Mayor Geoff Kettle, however, has defended the decision.
Motorist safety and bridge quality justifies the $2.2 million price-tag, he says.
“You’ve got to look at the long term viability of this and the advantages the new bridge offers,” he said on Friday.
“It’s a safer option for motorists. Having said that, concerns were raised by people in Eastgrove that Forbes Street would be closed and that’s fair.
We will, however, open Forbes Street in cases of emergency.”
Council’s suggestion will be sent to the RMS for consideration.
