Concerns raised over emergency plans if Spit Bridge malfunctions

THE longevity of the Spit Bridge will be put under the microscope by Northern Beaches Council as plans ramp up for a Beaches Link tunnel.

The council has raised the Spit Bridge

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THE longevity of the Spit Bridge will be put under the microscope by Northern Beaches Council as plans ramp up for a Beaches Link tunnel.

Liberal councillor Pat Daley has raised concerns about the Roads and Maritime Services’ back-up plan should anything happen to the bridge, which is 60 years old this year.

It comes after the RTA requested the council’s input into tunnel design elements.

Traffic congestion on the Spit Bridge during the morning peak. Picture: Braden Fastier.

“It is appropriate we have a full discussion and dialogue about it because in our deliberations we need to be aware of the current status of the Spit Bridge,” Cr Daley said. “We want the current assessment relating to the condition, what the protocols are in relation to ongoing maintenance.”

Cr Daley will put a notice of motion to the next council meeting calling on the RMS to provide a full report regarding the current condition of the Spit Bridge.

“This report should also include appropriate information regarding protocols and procedure which relate to the ongoing maintenance of the bridge,” he said.

The RMS spent around $700,000 on routine maintenance and inspections for the Spit Bridge last year.

Cr Daley will also ask that the RMS give councillors a confidential briefing regarding emergency traffic and transport plans should the Spit Bridge malfunction.

The Spit Bridge from above.

“We haven’t got the full story. We need to know what the situation is with the Spit Bridge,” he said. “If it malfunctions and becomes inoperative and traffic can’t use it for a period of time, whether that be hours or days, the consequences are diabolic.

“It would be devastating to the community in terms of not just inconvenience but the impact on the economy.”

Cr Daley will call on the council to write to Opposition Leader Luke Foley, asking him to change his stance on policy which would terminate the tunnel if Labor wins the next election.

“We need him to stop this bloody-minded approach that, just because they are Liberal seats, he is going to abort the tunnel,” Cr Daley said.

Mr Foley’ s office was contacted but did not respond to a request for comment.

Pat Daley has raised concerns about the sustainability of the Spit Bridge. Picture: Damian Shaw.

An RMS spokesman said: “The knowledge and expertise of council is instrumental in developing quality transport and community outcomes.

“The tunnel project team will benefit from developing a better understanding of council’s directions, policies and priorities in planning, urban design, land use and transport strategy.”

A reference design for the tunnel project is expected by mid-2018. The reference design will be placed on public exhibition.

The NSW Transport Management Centre’s response to a situation in which the Spit Bridge malfunctions involves implementing detour routes for general traffic and bus services.

The standard detour route for bus services in the event of such an incident would be via Warringah Rd, Roseville Bridge and Eastern Valley Way.