IT’S the bridge build that keeps on giving.
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Lansdowne Bridge’s replacement has been an ongoing saga for more nearly 10 years.
First came the long-running debate on whether it should be replaced at all. Once that question was settled, machinations began on the design. Four years on we’re edging a little closer but the wheels are turning slowly.
Most concerning of all is the cost. In 2012 it was $4 million, by 2014 it was $7 million and the State Government was tipping in more money. Now it’s $13.5m.
The Roads and Maritime Service is being coy on who is chipping in the extras, saying it is a State and Federal project. Yes, the Feds coughed up $4m in 2015 but we haven’t heard of any extra commitment.
As to who is to blame, that’s an open question too. The council did change the design following community consultation and to achieve a better alignment with Forbes St. This added $2.2m to the cost in 2014.
In turn, this affected the historic Lansdowne Estate, the subject of a permanent conservation order. Heritage impact studies had to be completed, a tad ironic given that RMS had decided to demolish a rare 1902 Deburgh truss bridge.
We don’t object to the studies, only the delay. The land that has to be acquired is pegged out and we’re reliably told the Estate’s owners are fine with this. They have only asked that a heritage entry gate be relocated.
So why has it taken so long?
Thankfully the reports will be completed in a month, according to RMS
But commonsense has hardly been a hallmark of this project.
Consider the RMS announcement in July to replace the decking, only to re-open it briefly before demolition and replacement.
By August they had decided not to undertake repairs but to close the bridge permanently for two years until the new one was built.
It should have been economics 101 but it took Council to convince them of the wisdom.
Mayor Geoff Kettle sensibly argues the money is better spent re-mediating alternative routes that are already suffering.
RMS advises the new structure will be completed mid-2019.
It can’t come soon enough for some, especially freight carriers.
But many will miss ‘the old girl’ and a grand vista over the Mulwaree Ponds.