Good progress on Hampden Bridge plans
1 Nov 10
We have come a long way since the RTA first floated its proposals for restoration work on Hampden Bridge.
From an initial plan to close the bridge from 9 am to 5 pm, up to five days a week for as much as six months, we are now discussing a much more positive proposal which significantly lessens the impact on the village.
Current RTA thinking is to limit intensive work on the bridge to two x seven week periods between May and September 2011, with no daytime closures.
Work would be undertaken in 18 hour shifts during this time, with the bridge unavailable for vehicles from 5 pm to midnight on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.
The RTA estimates that this would affect only 7% of the weekly traffic and given it is during mid winter, would minimise the overall impact on the town.
The Road Action Group (RAG) is a broadly based coalition of local groups and represents diverse interests including the school and pre-school, farmers, tradespeople, the Community Association, Environment Group, Tourist Association, Pathways group and Pioneer Museum.
Our brief has been to support the restoration work being done in a manner that has the least impact on our community and the economy of the village.
We have had significant input to the process to date and continue to be involved through an ongoing Working Party with the RTA.
We are pleased that the RTA has been prepared to respond to community concerns and we will continue to work with them to resolve the outstanding issues.
These include:
· Gaining commitments that emergency services will be provided without detriment to current service levels and response times
· Operation of the shuttle services which will be provided by the RTA, including for commuters affected by the 5pm start for night work
· The RTA’s response to our proposal that night work begin at 6pm to minimise disruption. We do however acknowledge the problem for the RTA of completing some tasks in a 6 hour shift
· The particular issues for the businesses located close to the bridge
· Clear signage to minimise confusion and loss of through traffic and trade
· A positive public campaign about the historic importance of the bridge and the value of this restoration work. Our goal is to encourage people to come to see the work in progress and to be part of the “Friends of Hampden Bridge”.
A suggestion that night work be extended to Mondays was not supported by RAG and is now unlikely.
The RTA advised that they will shortly begin work which requires minor traffic control and some short delays during the day.
So far, so good.
It’s important that we know about any particular problems these current proposals may raise, so please contact Julian Watson at the RTA Julian_WATSON@rta.nsw.gov.au and RAG kvcollections@bigpond.com
Wendy Caird,
Chair, Road Action Group