Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said the diversion of foot traffic to the main Joy Baluch Bridge in Port Augusta following the closure of the Great Western Bridge is an accident waiting to happen.
“The restriction on traffic caused by the 25kmh speed limit is intolerable and must be fixed as a matter of urgency” he said.
“Friday afternoon last week following the week in Parliament, I met with a group concerned residents on the western end of both bridges and they aired their frustration, anger and need for urgent action.
“On Saturday morning I spoke to the Federal Minister for Transport Darren Chester to alert him to the gravity of the situation.
“First thing Monday morning back in Canberra I delivered a speech in Parliament, wrote to State Ministers Brock and Mullighan and the Port Augusta Council.
“Later I met directly with Minister Chester to again re-iterate the urgency.
“While the Joy Baluch Bridge is the direct property of the South Australian Government, it is part of the National Highway Network for which the Commonwealth normally meets the majority of maintenance and capital works.
“Consequently the Minister has written to Minister Mullighan seeking an urgent report on engineering solutions to provide a safe protected walkway across the gulf.
“This issue is not just about Port Augusta, it affects all traffic west and north bound.
“I know how frustrated everyone is and ask them to please be patient with other drivers and pedestrians on the bridge and assure them I will be doing all I can to bring about a speedy resolution to the problem.”
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744
March 31 2017
