Agenda item

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment providing Members with a general overview of the structural inspection and maintenance regime for the Bridge House Estates river crossings and associated structures during the 2019/20 financial year.

A Member questioned the somewhat vague four-year timescale referred to in terms of ‘starting date’ for parapet repairs and painting works to Blackfriars Bridge. Officers stated that the tender for these works was currently in the process of being finalised and would be put out next month. He added that the starting date for the works was, at this stage, deliberately vague although it was hoped that works could commence by October 2020.

Another Member picked up on the reference to Blackfriars Bridge referring to what were, in some spots, gaps of up to 20mm in the paving which were a trip hazard. Officers reported that TfL were the highways authority for the Bridge and, as such, were responsible for any surface issues/repairs.

In response to a question regarding the Illuminated River project, Officers reported that this had neither helped nor hindered any inspections or maintenance to date.

A Member questioned progress on the River camera project. Officers reported that this was being led by the City of London Police.

RESOLVED – That Members note the report and that 2019/20 was the sixth and final year of the inspection contract carried out by AECOM. A new six-year programme of inspections will commence in 2020/21 under a new contract following a competitive tender process.