Sydney boaters- Additional closures for Spit Bridge, Middle Harbour

by Penny Robins on 3 Jul 2012 Roads and Maritime Services NSW advise motorists and boaters of additional closures on and under the Spit Bridge, Middle Harbour, for testing of the bridge span lift system improvement work.

Contractor Lend Lease had hoped to complete the work this morning but requires additional time to test the drive system.

The work to upgrade the drive system, which includes the motor, brake and gearbox, aims to improve reliability and minimise the potential for delays caused by breakdowns.

'Unfortunately Lend Lease has been unable to complete the work as expected today which means the bridge will not be able to open for overheight marine traffic until further testing is complete,' an RMS spokesperson said.

Lend Lease has advised marine operators of the further closures and apologised for the inconvenience caused.

One lane will be closed in each direction tomorrow night from 10pm to 5am while some of the testing is carried out. A full closure is required Friday morning from 1am to 4am, when the road and pedestrian path will be closed.

Traffic control and a 40km/h speed limit will be in place. Motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and obey all signs.

Route 151 and 188 buses will be diverted via Roseville Bridge but anyone travelling between Wynyard and the Spit Bridge can catch a Route 248 shuttle bus instead.

Light vehicles should use the Pacific Highway, Boundary Road and Warringah Road instead. Heavy vehicles should use the Pacific Highway and Mona Vale Road.

Lend Lease hope to have the testing completed in time for the weekend.

For more information contact the Transport Management Centre on 132 701, or visit Live traffic Roads and Maritime Services NSW website