Vital work to repair two Perth bridges may need to wait until the controversial Cross Tay Link Road is complete - five years from now.
Council members will this week be asked to approve reinforcement works on both Queen’s Bridge and Old Perth Bridge following structural assessments
It has been recommended that the works should be carried out to secure the longevity of the vital transport links.
At the next meeting of the environment and infrastructure committee, on Wednesday, October 30, elected members will be asked to consider the report, which also includes an agreement on what times the works are carried out.
One of the main considerations for the works is to ensure that all possible measures are taken to minimise disruption to bridge users while at the same time ensuring the safety of the travelling public.
To accomplish this, the recommended proposal is to carry out the work to the top of the bridges (above deck) after the Cross Tay Link Road (CTLR) is complete; however PKC will continue to closely monitor the condition of the bridges, and should there be any significant changes, immediate action will be taken.
The Cross Tay Link Road is due to be completed in 2024.
The less disruptive work to the bottom of the bridges (below deck) will be able to be carried out before the CTLR is in place.
Convener of the environment and infrastructure committee Councillor Angus Forbes said: “The structural works to the bridges are necessary however, we understand and accept that in order to carry out the works there will be disruption to traffic both in and out of the city.
“The proposal to wait until the Cross Tay Link Road is built before carrying out the above deck works is based on expert advice and has been given with the assurance that there is no immediate risk to the public.
“We will closely monitor the condition of the bridges over the coming years and if there is any significant changes to the condition of the bridge during this time, we will take immediate action.”
