Further investigations confirm Captain Cook Bridge is safe

Results to date of an investigation by independent bridge expert Professor Peter Dux have confirmed earlier findings that the Captain Cook Bridge is structurally sound and safe, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.

Mr Pitt said Professor Dux was continuing to oversee the detailed investigation into the extent of vertical reinforcement bars cut when a gantry was attached to the bridge earlier this year.

"Professor Dux has advised Main Roads that, based on his findings to date, the bridge is safe and behaving as expected," Mr Pitt said.

"Furthermore, Professor Dux has advised Main Roads that there is no need to load-test the bridge.

"Main Roads has retained the services of a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) expert to undertake imaging of the gantry's anchorages to the bridge and this is expected to verify Professor Dux's assessment to date."

Professor Dux undertook an initial inspection of the bridge in late August, finding no structural cracking and reporting that the bridge was behaving as expected.

Mr Pitt said the ongoing detailed investigation was further evidence of Main Roads' commitment to safety, which saw the Riverside Expressway closed for several days in October 2006, after two of its ramps were found to be exhibiting slight rotation.

The rotation was found to be a by-product of temperature variations.

"Main Roads' commitment to safety is beyond question and its maintenance program is second to none," Mr Pitt said.

"Under this program, roads and bridges are identified and receive programmed maintenance before wear and tear begins to affect their performance.

"The Riverside Expressway is a good example. Bearings, joints and other components receive regular maintenance, not because they are unsafe, but to prevent them ever becoming so.

"A total of 128 of the Riverside Expressway's 4340 components – which is around three per cent – are in what Main Roads describes as 'Condition State 4'.

"This means they have been subject to wear and tear that isn't structurally significant or in need of urgent attention, but which identifies them as requiring programmed maintenance over time."

"The full program of maintenance on the Expressway amounts to some $30 million spread over five years."

Full details of Professor Dux's reports on the Captain Cook Bridge will be published on the Main Roads website once his investigation is finalised and has been considered by the State Government.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819