Further progress on Hampden Bridge restoration work
1 Feb 11
The RTA has taken some time to consider the community’s request that night time work on Hampden Bridge begin at 6 pm rather than the planned 5 pm.
The Road Action group (RAG) had identified a number of problems for commuters and others who need to travel across the bridge in the evening, and believed that a 6 pm start to work would alleviate many problems.
For their part, the RTA needed to consider whether a 6 hour shift enabled them to carry out the intended work.
The RTA has now agreed to the 6 pm start, meaning that vehicle access will be unavailable between 6 pm and midnight on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights in two, seven week blocks between May and September. There will be pedestrian access during this time.
This is another good result for our community, limiting the problems and inconvenience to the community and other travellers while this essential work is done. It is certainly a great improvement on the original proposals to close the bridge during the day for several months.
The next step is to ensure that there are plans in place for those who have to travel at times when access to the bridge by car is not possible. We will all need to be conscious of these times and make other plans where possible but the RTA will provide assistance via shuttle services for those who need to cross after 6 pm. Planning for the deployment of the shuttle service is now being discussed so it’s important that affected people come forward with their issues. The RTA intends to have a stall at the Kangaroo Valley Show and this will provide an opportunity to talk to those who can assist.
If you need further information or have concerns please contact either Wendy Caird (Chair of RAG) kvcollections@bigpond.com or Julian_WATSON@rta.nsw.gov.au. There’s also information on the RTA’s website: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/constructionmaintenance/majorconstructionprojectsregional/southcoast/hampdenbridge.html
Wendy Caird