RTA to look at options for new bridge over Burrill Lake
THERE could finally be light at the end of the tunnel for Burrill Lake residents, with a new study set to provide a series of options for the upgrade of the troublesome Princes Highway causeway.
The Roads and Traffic Authority held an inspection of the bridge over Burrill Lake last month and is investigating a number of possibilities for its upgrade or replacement.
Residents have been calling for the causeway to be replaced for almost 20 years, claiming it is a major cause of siltation and weed build up in the channel.
Built in 1957, the causeway has been at the centre of a long running debate over the lake's intermittent closure, and the possibility that it could soon be replaced has been welcomed by residents including Colin Treweeke.
Mr Treweeke told the Times he had not heard about the RTA's plans and said he hopes the community will be properly consulted before any proposal gets the green light.
An RTA spokesperson told the Times an inspection of the bridge was carried out on February 5.
"The RTA is currently investigating the long-term future of the bridge over Burrill Lake," the spokesperson said.
"The bridge is an important link on the key transport route in south eastern NSW and is used by around 6,100 vehicles a day, increasing to 11,320 vehicles a day during peak holiday periods.
"The RTA has started investigating which future options are technically feasible so that it can start constructive consultation with the community and stakeholders."
The spokesperson told the Times the RTA is "at the start of a long process of investigations and consultation that will ultimately secure the long-term future of this important link in the highway".
Mr Treweeke believes the causeway should be replaced with a bridge that fully spans the lake channel and does not hinder water flow.
"I would like to see a proper bridge constructed to the east of the current causeway sooner rather than later," he said.
"There also need to be a safer pedestrian footpath across the lake.
"At the moment there's no barrier between highway traffic and pedestrians."
He said the bridge is in very poor condition and is in urgent need of an upgrade.
"I think the people of Burrill Lake will welcome a new bridge."
The news comes almost 20 years after villagers began campaigning for the replacement of the causeway, with a blockade of the Princes Highway attracting national media attention.
It was claimed then, as it is now, that the causeway restricts water flow and causes siltation of the channel leading to its closure.
The recent call for the lake entrance to be manually opened by Shoalhaven City Council goes hand-in-hand with the bridge replacement according to Mr Treweeke.
The RTA gave no indication of the time-frame, location, design or cost of the bridge, but did insist that a series of community briefings would be held before any plans are finalised.
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