West Gate Bridge cracks 'no risk', Government says

THE State Government has assured motorists the West Gate Bridge is safe after reports of cracks.

A VicRoads briefing obtained by the Opposition reveals at least $10 million a year will need to be spent on bridge maintenance.

"Growth in average vehicle weight and traffic volume will continue to exacerbate fatigue crack issues," the briefing says.

The briefing refers to a major structural review conducted in 2004, and the strengthening work that was recently completed.

Roads Minister Terry Mulder said there was nothing alarming in the briefing.

"That bridge has been given a sign of approval by the Auditor-General and it's won an award for the work that's been carried out on it," Mr Mulder said.

VicRoads chief operating officer Bruce Gidley said the bridge was safe.

"The work that we've done in the last three years has put it into tip-top condition," Mr Gidley said.

He said fine cracks in the steel needed to be treated, but were not a concern to engineers at this time.

Opposition infrastructure spokesman Tim Pallas said the Government had ignored safety warnings.

"Twelve months after receiving advice, the Baillieu Government has failed to announce any major plans," Mr Pallas said.

heraldsun.com.au 9 Feb 2012

Another blatant lie perpetuated by the government in the face of the public, which can endanger the lives of motorists travelling along the bridge.

Candid interviews have been made with engineers working on the project tell a different story.

The bridge was NOT designed to carry the current throughput of vehicles, neither in weight nor with the oscillations they produce.

This problem is further compounded by the fact that the government has opened up a previosuly designated emergency lane to traffic.

A coverup is the order of the day in order not to alarm the masses, nor to show inadequate planning or rather a failure of town planning by authorities.

Australia is truly a 'backwards country' with respect to road planning as described by a German engineering consultancy firm hired to asses Melbournes traffic woes.