Legislative Council, Tuesday 25 October 2022

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

With regard to the recent damage to the Cam River Bridge and works related to the construction of a new bridge:

(1) Will the Government undertake a full assessment of the factors contributing to the damage to the existing bridge, including:

(a) the impact of flood waters during initial heavy events, and

(b) the role of works on the new bridge may have played in the damage to the existing bridge, and

(c) if so, when will this occur?

(2) When will the results be made public? If not, why not?

(3) What is the expected time for repair of the existing bridge to enable two-way traffic? I would like that confirmed again because there is some speculation about differing items.

(4) What actual contingencies are in place to ensure safe and timely crossings of the Cam River in the Somerset vicinity if the existing bridge needs to be closed due to current or future damage to the existing bridge in light of ongoing rain?

ANSWER

(1) The Government is currently committed and focused on the repair of the existing bridge. The large increase in water and the speed of water flow from last week's extreme weather event is the main cause.

We are continuing investigations to gain a more detailed understanding of how the flood waters affected the bridge, including whether construction works on the new bridge contributed to the impact.

A suitable assessment of the damage and contributing factors will be undertaken after the bridge has reopened and any residual risk suitably dealt with.

(2) Information will be made available to the public as appropriate, noting that the factors contributing to the damage may be complex and are not likely to be understood for some time.

(3) Current estimates are the repair works will be completed around next weekend, being the 29 and 30 October 2022, weather permitting. The repair work will allow the bridge to be opened to two lanes of traffic.

(4) The Government is currently committed and focused on the repair of the existing bridge. Real time monitoring of the existing bridge is in place with no current indication that the bridge will become unsafe to use. Additional modelling and analysis of the bridge is also being undertaken by consultants to ensure current and future loading of the bridge is fully understood. Additional mitigation to reduce further damages to the bridge is being put in place.

Free priority bus services are operating across the Cam River Bridge and the public is encouraged to use these services, if possible, to reduce time frames crossing the river.

Construction of a new bridge at the location has already commenced. The new bridge will be higher and wider, with the pier footing of the new bridge ranging from 10 metres to 30 metres deep and anchored into the bedrock to mitigate the risk of damage by floods, providing a sustainable, long-lasting structure with low maintenance needs.