Hampden Bridge Closure
20 Apr 10
The RAG (Road Action Group) meet with the RTA last week, I attended representing of the KVTA. The result of required maintenance work will effect you all. In summary:
1. The bridge has to have vital repair work to the deck and associated elements.
2. RTA told us that this would involve closing the bridge for eight hours, between 3 and 5 days per week for up to six months. This equals 78 - 130 days
3. RAG expressed deep concern about day closure, economic impact and requested night work and or use of an alternative crossing
IMPORTANT: RTA conducting market research with tourism operators. Note the moderator is stating the bridge would be closed for 60 to 80 days. This is not what the RTA told us in the meeting (see above). When the moderator called me I explained that this was a completely different picture to the one we were given i.e. 6 months. I refused to undertake the survey until he had checked with the RTA, After 24 hours he responded that it was a matter we need to take up with the RTA directly. I undertook the survey on the second occasion. Currently awaiting contact details of RTA so that I can lodge a complaint over the miss representation of the closure duration.
CRITICAL: The perception of 60-80 days is a lot less than 6 months. It could appear that the scale of impact appears very different. Thus the research findings would be affected by the question and so not valid.
ECONOMIC IMPACT: Please note that the economic impact of closing the bridge would be:
1. Reduced day visitor traffic. This would make operating any shops, bakery, cafe, restaurant, pub, etc. very very difficult as income would be significantly reduced while fixed cost would remain the same. If this forces village facilities to close then the overall long term visitor experience is reduced leading to tourists selecting alternative destinations.
2. Bridge closure would lead to reduced opportunities for visitors to enjoy attractions across the valley, leading to reduced customer satisfaction
3. Reduce number of guests staying overnight would have a compounded effect on point 1 above.
4. The result of 1, 2 and 3 would be detrimental to quality of life for residents. Services to tourist operators and shops etc. e.g. plumber, local food and wine producers would be cut, closure of retail services.
The overall local multiplier effect by closing the bridge during the day would be to remove a substantial part of our economy and the erosion of community life.
PERCEPTION: If the RTA notifies motorists that the route is closed the general response will be an overall drop in traffic (day visitors to the village) and overnight staying guests not wanting to take a risk in traveling to the area. This would start BEFORE the closure of the bridge and LAST for some time afterwards as people (over six months) will assume it is still closed. Thus the compound effect will be much larger. The RTA did not disclose any advertising budget to make tourists aware of the reopening of the bridge.
WHAT DO WE WANT?
1. The bridge to be repaired in a manor to maintain its heritage integrity
2. Options are: Work to be undertaken at night or an alternative crossing provided or a temporary bridge erected over the top of the existing deck.
3. Bridge closure to be in low fire risk periods
4. Emergency route for residents and visitors seeking medical attention.
IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE THOUGHTS FEEDBACK FOR ME PLEASE EMAIL
Or you can call me Tel: 4465 1408
Chris Warren
KVTA President