Swan St Bridge project delayed by four months meaning longer traffic delays for drivers

DRIVERS face four months of unexpected traffic delays on the Swan St Bridge after the state government revealed serious problems during the widening of the congested Yarra crossing.

TENNIS and cricket fans could face traffic delays and a construction site on the Swan St Bridge after the state government revealed serious problems with the widening of the congested Yarra crossing.

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan on Tuesday admitted the project would be delayed by up to four months after plans for the 70-year-old bridge proved to be inaccurate.

Speaking to 3AW, Mr Donnellan said the bungle was embarrassing and said he hoped the bridge would be ready in time for the Australian Open but could give no guarantees.

“We had to redesign it on the run, it is disappointing no doubt about that,” Mr Donnellan said.

“I feel like a fool as a minister to actually make pronouncements saying it will be done by July ... but here we are in August.”

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan says he feels like ‘a fool’ for the construction blowout. Picture: Mark Stewart.

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Mr Donnellan said the steel structures within the bridge were not located where they were in old plans, prompting workers to redesign the project.

Originally the bridge was to return to four lanes by July, which has now been pushed back to October.

Workers will continue building the fifth lane and pedestrian bridge leading up to the Boxing Day Test and Australian Open, according to the government.

The Swan Street Bridge upgrade started on March 29 and was due to be finished in December. Picture: George Salpigtidis.

Opposition roads spokesman Ryan Smith slammed the minister for the “stuff up” and worsening congestion.

“It has been revealed that the widening of the Swan St Bridge is set to blow out by several months and millions of dollars, due to the government relying on inaccurate 70 year-old hand-drawn plans of the bridge,” he said.

“Before the last election Daniel Andrews promised Melbourne motorists that he would invest $60 million to fix the frustrating gridlock along the entire length of Hoddle Street and Punt Road. Three years later traffic is getting worse, with this latest stuff up just adding to drivers’ woes.”

The Swan Street Bridge upgrade is under way. Picture: George Salpigtidis.

The project was due to finish by December. It would add an extra lane for drivers heading east and provide better access for pedestrians and cyclists.

About 30,000 vehicles use the congestion hot spot each day, although during construction the government has urged motorists to avoid the bridge if possible.

From Hoddle St, VicRoads warns of 20-minute delays in the morning peak and 10-minute delays for non-peak periods.

A delay could result in major disruptions to the Australian Open next year — and is likely to cause headaches for other major events throughout summer.

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