THE report in The Guardian that cameras are being installed for a traffic survey as part of the governmental process of developing options and a business case for the new Swan Hill bridge is enlightening.
As locals may know, I have been involved for many of my 90-plus years in advising on the best location for the new bridge. My advocacy has not been successful and this is likely my final attempt to instil common sense into those in charge of our country and locality.
The Swan Hill City Council about 1970 agreed that a new river crossing was urgently needed. A route for a flyover bridge was decided that would align with Hastings Street and then to Pye Street or Chapman Street.
The government then began to purchase properties in Hastings Street to make way for a new road to accommodate traffic. Fifty years later and still no bridge, despite the closure of the Shell and Mobil fuel depots having created ever more room for roadworks.
While the powers that be have wasted millions of dollars keeping the existing bridge in safe condition, portion of that money could have been wisely spent obtaining Indigenous approval to build the bridge at its original planned location. We would have had a new bridge many years ago.
The most recent proposal was the new bridge would be built alongside the existing bridge, and absurdly will be a lift bridge that will cause traffic interruptions and require ongoing operation and maintenance to its lifting mechanism for its entire existence. A lift bridge in Swan Hill is a poor choice.
After so many years, I have grown tired of advising on this matter, but I am heartened to read that the government agencies are again developing options, so hopefully common sense will at last prevail and they recognise the route selected 50 years ago is the best. Hopefully other locals will add their support and I can rest.
James M. Willox
Swan Hill
