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❓ I refer to the article in 'The West Australian' on 3 January 2026 which indicated that the "Narrows bridge is at risk of catastrophic failure" based on a secret report prepared by the Water Corporatio

AnsweredQoN 1415Legislative Council

Asked

19 March 2026

Member

Hon Steve Martin

Portfolio

Water

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the article in 'The West Australian' on 3 January 2026 which indicated that the "Narrows bridge is at risk of catastrophic failure" based on a secret report prepared by the Water Corporation in February 2024, which detailed the "urgent need to replace hundreds of pipe hangers on the Narrows bridge, which are close to 20 years past their useful life and corroding" and I ask: (a) will the Minister table a copy of the referenced report; (b) if no to (a), why not; (c) is the statement that “The ‘do nothing’ option is not recommended based on the findings that the majority of hangers had suffered from known corrosion since they were first identified in 2015 (eight years ago) and a complete failure in 2023,” accurate; (d) if no to (c), why not and can the Minister clarify the correct information; (e) what is the cost of completing all remediation works in relation to the pipe hangers; (f) since the report in February 2024, what works have taken place to remediate the issue and when did they take place; (g) in relation to (f), what has been the cost of these works; (h) noting that the article says "the Water Corporation hasn’t commenced any replacement works on the hangers, which were installed in 1958. It also can’t say when any works will commence.", what is the reason for putting off these key works on one of Perth's most crucial and busy bridges; and (i) do any of the required remediation works require the bridge to close to traffic for any period of time?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

5 May 2026

Responded by

Leader of the House representing the Minister for Water

Response time

1 days

(a)   Yes. See Tabled Paper # FL W1028768.
(b)   N/A
(c)   Yes. This is why the identified failed hangers were replaced in 2023.
(d)   N/A.
(e)   The cost of completing all remediation work is currently estimated to be between $5 million to $7 million.
(f)    – (g) List of works since February 2024:
Date
Work
Cost
November 2023
Failed hanger (S5P4H6E) and its partner (S5P4H6W) were replaced
$29,026
November 2023
November 2023: Drone inspection
$49,605
(h)   Works have been performed when required, including the upcoming plans to replace another hanger.
Section 3.2.1 of the referenced report first recommends further investigations. These investigations are under way.
Excerpt: “Proceed with Stages 2 and 3, i.e., carry out further non-destructive/destructive testing to accessible hangers at representative areas. The objectives of Stage 2 and 3 is to provide sufficient technical information to provide an advanced risk assessment to support capital/investment business case and further support repair/replacement options (e.g. if the entire hanger requires replacement, or if only the eye supports require replacement)”.
(i)    Traffic closures are not anticipated and have not been required for previous works.

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