The RTA paid for the Anzac Bridge work

The RTA advised that the wording Mr Sansom used in the Parliamentary Inquiry did not accurately reflect the First Amendment Deed. The RTA identified that the CCT could cause traffic to queue back about two kilometres from Anzac Bridge. So, the RTA increased Anzac Bridge's capacity by providing an additional westbound lane. The RTA advised that it funded and carried out this work. This was not part of the First Amendment Deed or otherwise funded by the CCT project. CCM did however work on another approach, the Western Distributor:

The CCM provided an additional lane on the Western Distributor near Harris St at no cost to the RTA and without a change in tolls charged to users. This involved adjustments (value estimated at $1.68 million) to a bus crossover provision.

RTA had initially considered funding the Anzac Bridge works from First Amendment Deed funds, however the capacity of the Anzac Bridge and its relationship with the broader road network had been the cause of the traffic issue, so the RTA formed the view that whilst this work was necessary it was not reasonably connected to the CCT project. It was considered inappropriate for tollway users to bear the cost of the Anzac Bridge works through increases to the toll.

Source: Advice from the RTA to the Audit Office

 GOOD PRACTICE

This is an example of the RTA drawing a boundary around the CCT project, and excluding work that was too remote from the project. It is also an example of the RTA funding further work from its capital expenditure budget.