Legislative Council, Thursday 14 September 2023

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

With regard to the ongoing work to replace the current Cam River Bridge:

1. What is the current expected date for completion and opening of the new bridge;

2. Have any assessments of the structural integrity of the current bridge been undertaken in the last six months;

 a. If so, has there been any movement of the area impacted by the storm event, noting the visually it appears to have separated further and the relevant section of the bridge appears to have a more noticeable dip; and
 b. If not, will this be urgently assessed to ensure the safety of all users of the Cam River bridge?

ANSWER:

1. The current expected timeframe for completion and opening of the new Cam River Bridge is April 2024.

2. The bridge supports have been monitored continuously since November 2022 using remote monitoring that provides an alert if the bridge moves beyond pre-determined limits. The remote monitoring data is also regularly reviewed by engineers.

  a. The monitoring sensors show that the south side of the repaired Pier has moved downwards by 9mm. Most of the movement occurred in the first six months and has reduced in the last three months indicating that it has       stabilised. Such movements are not unexpected for a new footing. The bridge joint will also have opened up in the colder months as the bridge beams contract.

  b. The monitoring sensors will continue to operate until the new bridge is in operation.