Spit Bridge reduced Opening Times

by Robert Mackay on 12 Dec 2006 MHYC will post updates on the Spit Bridge Re-Devlopment when they come available. Members are requested to read these updates which will be posted on the MHYC Website: http://www.mhyc.com.au/spitbridge.htm


Reduced Weekend and Public Holiday
Openings of Spit Bridge, Mosman.

Introduction:
Spit Bridge spans Middle Harbour linking Spit Road and Manly Road and providing a main arterial north - south connection between Sydney, North Sydney and the Northern Beach suburbs. Spit Bridge and Spit Road serve as a main thoroughfare for local, business and commuter traffic, from North Sydney to the Northern Beach suburbs. Due to the absence of any train service to the suburbs, it is also a vital route for bus services. As a result, the route is highly trafficked up to 70,000 vehicles using the route on peak season Saturdays (SKM 2006).

The Spit Bridge has a maximum clearance of 6.4m and boating vessels using Middle Harbour that
are taller than six metres above the water level, can do so only during scheduled bridge opening
times. Most motor cruisers are able to pass under the bridge; the principle users of the openings are
yachts. The bridge opens for several minutes at a time to allow waiting tall vessels to pass under
the bridge.

During the opening of the bridge, vehicle traffic on Spit Road and Manly Road is stopped and this
causes traffic congestion and substantial delays along the route. The congestion is pronounced on
weekends and public holidays, when a greater number of boats require bridge opening and when
traffic volumes are also high. To reduce vehicle traffic delays, the Roads and Traffic Authority
(RTA) propose to reduce the number of weekend and public holiday openings of the Spit Bridge
from 11 to 8 per day.


Futher Iinformation: http://www.mhyc.com.au/spitbridge.htm