10,000 more motorists are now crossing the Bribie Island bridge every day
YOU’RE not imagining things — Bribie Island is getting busier and busier and busier.
Moreton
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BRIBIE bridge is shouldering an ever-increasing workload as it nears its 55th birthday.
Recently released statistics from Transport and Main Roads (TMR) show the daily traffic crossing Bribie Island bridge has risen by 50 per cent in the past ten years.
A spokesman said the average daily number of vehicles that crossed the bridge in 2007 was 19,756, by 2017 it was 29,074.
The bridge opened in October 1963 and despite the rising traffic levels, TMR said there were no plans for a second bridge in the short term.
Sergeant Jimmy Driver said the increase was noticeable and a second bridge would alleviate problems.
“By virtue of there being a lack of access to any crash occurring on the bridge any crash causes a considerable backlog of traffic at high flow times,” Sgt Driver said.
“Obviously a second bridge would alleviate traffic congestion as there would be another access point to ease the traffic flow.”
The bridge has seen its fair share of repairs over the years and a TMR spokesman said: “We conduct a detailed inspection of the bridge every three years as well as annual inspections.”
In 1994 Transport and Main Roads assessed the structural integrity after reports of components cracking.
“Concrete core samples were taken from pylons and underwater inspections carried out where cracking was evident below the low water mark,” the spokesman said.
“The cracking appeared to be only in the paint or fine surface cracking. All piles were determined to be structurally sound.
“We undertook minor repairs to some pylons.
“Another underwater inspection in 2013 found four piles needed repairs including two previously repaired.
“A detailed above-water inspection was also carried out at the time and again in 2017 with no significant issues identified.
“Some core samples will be taken from piles in the splash zone during our next underwater inspection.”
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