Cambridge Connections remains an important issue for the Cambridge community and as a board we continue to advocate strongly for a comprehensive approach to implementation of the transport strategy, including the eventual provision of a third river crossing.
Jo Davies-Colley
We also acknowledge the significance of community engagement needed for this type of project, and after engaging closely with the community, we are confident that the process has been inadequate, resulting in high levels of frustration and concern from residents.
We are pleased that the feedback date was extended for a month and the bridge location is ‘off the table’.
Over the last two months we have heard from our community that more information is needed before they can give feedback. I asked the transportation team if they could provide some answers to the three most common questions we are hearing.
- Can the Victoria Bridge be added on to, so more traffic can cross the river instead of a new bridge? While it is possible to strengthen the 117-year-old bridge to take more traffic, it would be complex and it would significantly alter the bridge. The bridge has heritage recognition as a Category 1 historic place, meaning it should be kept close to its original design. There may be options to keep the bridge partly open to traffic, but ideally, we will not rely on it as an essential traffic link.
- What about on and off ramps? Why can’t some be built around the golf course, taking people straight to Hamilton instead of going through Cambridge? This option was considered, but modelling showed only a small number of motorists would use it because it is a significantly longer route. Modelling showed most drivers would prefer to take the existing route through town to the expressway.
- Could this project end up on the government’s fast track system and not need public consultation at all? A bridge which is needed in 20-plus years does not appear to fit the legislation of needing to be fast tracked. We have time to examine the options, complete detailed investigations, consult with the community and find a solution that meets the transport needs of our community in the long term.
- Where to from here? The independent review into the development of the business case and the community engagement to date will be an important step to reset the project as we look towards the next steps. While no firm timeframe can be put on the completion of the review, the results would be shared with the community once the outcomes had been considered.
The board continues to engage with the community at every opportunity and thank those who have communicated their thoughts and opinions to us.
As always, we welcome any member of the community to email us or attend and present on any topic at our public forum.
