Article: Traffic in Brisbane CBD as bridge work backfires

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Traffic in Brisbane CBD as bridge work backfires

Traffic in Brisbane CBD as bridge work backfires
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Sophie Elsworth and Margaret Wenham

July 22, 2009 12:00am

A BUS became wedged on a speed platform on the Riverside Expressway Ann St on-ramp yesterday, compounding traffic already caused by the barrier.

Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace's order for the removal of the speed hump earlier in the day came too late for the bus, which blocked the inner city artery for about 20 minutes before it could be moved.

As Lord Mayor Campbell Newman labelled the roadworks "a disgrace", Mr Wallace said the platform and reduced speed limit had been installed on Monday night to assist the construction of a height restriction barrier for the Ann St ramp.

He had ordered the speed platform's removal because of its disruption to bus traffic.

"I have directed my department to remove this platform tonight and look at putting in other works that will allow buses to more easily travel through the on-ramp while this work is carried out," he said.

Mr Wallace said the new height restriction barrier was necessary to reduce the risk of over-height vehicles damaging the new Kurilpa pedestrian bridge which spans the western end of the expressway.

Last week Mr Wallace told a Parliamentary Estimates Committee hearing that another review of the structural integrity of the controversial $63 million cable and steel strut bridge had found only minimal damage would be done if it was hit by a vehicle travelling along the expressway.

This meant the North Quay east-bound entry to the expressway would not have to be closed off but the new McCormick Rankin Cagney assessment found there would be a greater risk of a vehicle striking the bridge if it accessed the expressway from the Ann St west-bound on-ramp, he said.

To reduce the risk, traffic management devices and extra signage reminding motorists of the bridge height limit would be installed.

Opposition main roads spokeswoman Fiona Simpson said the installation of the speed bump was done without any consultation.

"The Kurilpa Bridge has been plagued with poor planning problems from the beginning," she said.