Bridges in delay fury

Kim Waters
BARWON Heads’ traders are bracing for a second summer of frustration after the previous State Government failed to deliver its bridge project on time, according to a community representative.
Barwon Heads Traders and Tourism Association vice-president Bernard Napthine said members were bracing for traffic snarls, lost trade and confused tourists.
He labelled as “disappointing” a broken VicRoads promise to have works on the new Barwon Heads Bridge and pedestrian river crossing complete before summer.
“It’s very disappointing that the pedestrian bridge hasn’t been able to be completed because it will result in difficulties with tourism over summer,” Mr Napthine said.
“It’s also bad that the car parks aren’t back to normal for the summer influx.
“Originally VicRoads promised the project would be finished for Christmas and would only affect us for one summer.”
VicRoads announced last week that contractor McConnell Dowell would complete “configuration works” on the pedestrian bridge in early February. Howeve works on a pedestrian plaza, a boardwalk and car parks would stretch out to May, VicRoads said.
Mr Napthine expected the unfinished pedestrian bridge to affect fishing opportunities popular with tourists over summer holidays.
“Fishing is always a very popular activity down here and this delay is really disappointing for the kids who often fish off the bridge.
“It will be awkward for tourists and residents. It could mean a lot more frustrated people that do come down and instead of enjoying their experience there may be those who find it less than pleasurable.”
VicRoads regional director Robin Miles said the road bridge had been delivered “on time and on budget”.
“The pedestrian bridge is undergoing final decking and cladding which will be completed in February 2011,” he said.
“The final packages of work including the pedestrian plaza, boardwalk and car park are on track with completion expected in May.”