Rawdon Island: Council closes traffic bridge following concerns for structural safety
A 60-year-old bridge providing road access to 50 homes has been closed, with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council holding grave concerns over its structural integrity.
Mid-North Coast
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More than 50 homes on Rawdon Island have been cut-off from traffic due to structural concerns with the only bridge in and out of the suburb.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council initiated the indefinite closure of the Rawdon Island Bridge at midday on Monday, following engineering advice that the structure was unsafe to continue tacking traffic.
The issue stems from defects to the concrete pylons, which were first assessed back in March following the recent flooding. The damage has been reported above seabed level.
Poor construction, rather than flood damage, has been blamed for the deteriorating concrete, with council moving to initiate immediate traffic solutions for residents who have been cut off by the bridge’s closure.
The council has secured a shuttle bus service to run from the bridge to the Colvin Street car park between 6am-9am and 3pm-7pm Monday to Friday.
It is also establishing designated parking areas along Rawdon Island Rd near the bridge, on the Road Reserve between 331 Rawdon Island Rd and the river (accessed via the driveway just past 331) and at the end of Colvin St near Sancrox Reserve. Gravel is being placed onsite today.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council CEO Dr Clare Allen, Mayor Peta Pinson and Acting Director of Infrastructure Cameron Hawkins, held a meeting with affected residents on Saturday to talk in detail about the bridge closure, and to listen and understand what the impact of this closure is on their lives.
Transport was the number one priority raised, with some residents requiring emergency and medical treatment.
Many are caring for children, and have relatives with high care needs who require easy access to daily medical care.
“This is a safety issue and the resident's safety is my priority,” Dr Allen said.
“It is not going to be an easy fix. But we are going to work as fast as we can but we are trying to come up with a solution.”
Investigations into the exact circumstances that have led to the deterioration continue, but the council said current evidence suggests the damage is a result of poor quality construction rather than flood damage.
This may have occurred during the pouring of the concrete piers or during the curing process.
The bridge was constructed by the former NSW Public Works back in 1961, at a time when new bridges where being built to replace traditional ferry crossings.
The council’s main focus is to now reopen the bridge in order to give Rawdon Island residents connectivity.
Mayor Pinson said it was an awful situation for residents.
“This is such an awful situation for many residents who have told us that they are still trying to undertake urgent repairs to their homes and farms following the floods,” she said.
“I am assured that our teams are working as fast as possible to minimise the inconvenience.
“I have already been having discussions with Members of parliament to make them aware of the situation, and will continue to be in close contact with them to help the residents impacted.”
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