Agenda item

Tower Bridge Service Trenches Refurbishment - Gateway 3/4 - Options Appraisal (Regular)

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding Tower Bridge Service Trenches Refurbishment.

 

A Member commented that the Deputy Chairman had recently appeared in the media to explain why Tower Bridge was to be closed for an extended period of time for maintenance work. He therefore questioned why it had not been possible to incorporate this particular piece of work into this closure and what the anticipated timing of this work would be. Officers reported that as much additional work as possible was carried out during the recent closure however, it had not been possible to negotiate an extension to that period to also allow for these works to be carried out. Members were informed that it may be possible to carry out these works without any additional complete closures, using just pedestrian footway closures and ensuring as minimal an impact as possible. The works were being brought forward at the present time as a risk mitigation to the much bigger replacement project.

 

Another Member referred to the paragraph on risk within the report, noting that the principle risk to the project was the condition of the current frameworks. He questioned how long this risk would take to assess and whether, if it was concluded that some of the existing frameworks are not sufficient, other options would be looked at. Officers commented that whilst this was the greatest risk to the project, it was felt that it was unlikely but could not be entirely discounted. Some investigations had already been carried out and further investigations, particularly around asbestos, would allow for more areas to be opened up and for this to be considered further. Members were informed that, if this risk were to materialise, the solution would be to replace the channel section entirely.

 

The Chair followed up on the point made around the timing of the works in the context of the proposed COVID-19 recovery/transportation response works and the active travel plans in place. He sought assurances that Officers would coordinate the various projects to create a joined-up approach across the Square Mile. Officers responded that, as Tower Bridge was outside of the City this would be co-ordinated with TfL and with the network generally, working collaboratively with the surrounding boroughs.

 

RESOLVED – That:

 

1)    Additional budget of £400,000 is approved for staff costs, fees, investigations and trial installations, to reach the next Gateway;

2)    The revised project budget of £50,000 (excluding risk) is noted;

3)    The total estimated cost of the project at £425,000 (excluding risk) is noted;

4)    The fact that no Costed Risk Provision is requested at this stage, although £120,000 of costed risks against asbestos and contamination are identified in the Project Risk Register is noted. These will be reviewed at the next gateway following completion of investigations.

5)    Option 3 is approved (Replace covers with bespoke lightweight ductile iron alternative, within existing seating frames).

Supporting documents: