Legislative Council, Wednesday 16 November 2022

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

With regard to the Cam River Bridge that was damaged in a recent flooding event, I note ongoing monitoring of this bridge is occurring on and around the bridge following the repair work as works restart on the replacement bridge.

1. What methods are being used to monitor the bridge for further sagging or signs of damage; and

A) How often is the bridge monitored and assessed?

2. Has any further sagging or any movement of the section supported by the damaged pylon been detected;

3. Has any other damage to the bridge been identified since the re-opening of both lanes; and

4. If either or both of the answer to questions 2 and 3 above is yes, what additional work is or may be necessary to prevent the need for partial or full closure of the bridge; and

5. How will the community be informed if additional works are needed to ensure the safety of the bridge?

ANSWER:

1. Three methods of monitoring are in use:

i) motion detection is being used, continually, to detect movement in all three dimensions.
ii) Visual inspection is also being used.
iii). Traditional survey is being used

1A. motion detection is an automated system that reports whenever movement of more than 5mm occurs. The traditional survey occurs daily at the same time each day – this will cease as of 18 Nov 2022. Visual inspections occur twice weekly until the end of the year.

2.) No further sagging of the bridge or movement has been identified except for cyclical minor adjustments due to temperatures changes that would be expected in any structure.

3). No further damage to the bridge has been identified.

4.) No further works have been identified to manage the bridge.

5) Not Applicable as no works have been identified.