Bureaucrat's bridge apology

TASMANIA'S Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (DIER) has apologised to people who were inconvenienced by the latest failure of the Bridgewater Bridge lifting mechanism. DIER roads and traffic general manager Peter Todd today said the department would be reviewing work done on the recent upgrading of the bridge.

"The review, in conjunction with the contractor, will seek to determine whether the issue is related to teething problems or some other cause. DIER will also be meeting representatives of the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania and the owners of the ferry Cartela," Mr Todd said.

"DIER is aware that vessels proceeding up river to the bridge need to be certain that the lift span will operate normally – unless high winds intervene – and steps will be taken to see whether we can improve the present system of vessel owners checking ahead before leaving. The department apologises to those inconvenienced by the weekend disruption to their river journey,” Mr Todd said.