Greg Smith talks on BEECROFT BRIDGE CLOSURE

This link gives the text of a speach Greg Smith, NSW State member for Epping, gave in State Parliament recently.
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20101124053

M2 Widening Project Kirkham Bridge Status

Kirkham Road Bridge, also known as Murray Farm Road bridge, over the M2, joins Murray Farm Road to Beecroft Road. 

The original M2 Widening Project EPA authorises single lane closure of this bridge, during widening of the spans to accommodate the wider motorway underneath.  Traffic lights controlling flow seems eminently sensible.

However it is now reported that the RTA and Transurban are considering alternatives, including demolition and rebuilding of the bridge.  At first they said this would take "over six months", now they are forecasting it would take 10 months, and many residents fear the bridge will not be replaced until all work under the bridge has been completed, ie 2 years. 

Obviously that solution will save Transurban an immense amount of money, on a fixed price job,very attractive to the contractor.  But it would cause immense disruption to the lives of the residents of Beecroft and Cheltenham, and permanently damage many businesses.

The RTA has promised there will be public consultation and an opportunity for the public to make submissions on this issue.
This blog will keep residents informed of anything that is heard, both rumours and facts.  Watch this blog!

BCCT Website

For various reasons, personal and technical, the Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust's website http://www.2119.org.au/ is in need of upgrade and updating.  This is in hand but will take a while to implement.  In the meantime this blog will be used to keep Beecroft and Cheltenham residents informed on various issues, the dominant one at the moment obviously being the plans for the Kirkham Road Bridge between Beecroft Road and Murray Farm Road.

M2 Widening Project Kirkham Bridge Survey

The BCCT is conducting an online survey to determine residents' views on the best way for RTA and Transurban to perform the work needed to lenthen the span of the bridge crossing the M2 between Beecroft Road and Murray Farm Road.  If you are a user of this bridge please go to the BCCT website at http://www.2119.org.au/ and complete the survey by clicking on the link.

New BCCT Blog

This is the inaugural post of the Beecroft and Cheltenham Civic Trust blog.  We wish all Beecroft and Cheltenham residents a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year.