Roads and Maritime Services say a new Batemans Bay bridge is needed for safety and traffic flow and a cost estimate was last year prepared routinely.
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Bega MP Andrew Constance announced the proposal last week at his Liberal campaign launch.
The NSW Treasurer promised $110 million, based on a preliminary estimate, if the Coalition was returned to government on March 28.
After questions from the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner, a Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) spokesman, on Friday, March 6, said the "preliminary cost estimate" had been prepared "as part of normal business processes".
"Planning ahead for major projects is part of routine asset management practices," he said.
In response to a question as to whether a request for an estimate or other information had come from Roads Minister Duncan Gay's office, the spokesman said the estimate had been prepared in 2014.
"The preliminary cost estimate for a new bridge at Batemans Bay was prepared last year.
"As part of normal business practice, Roads and Maritime plans for future assets based on factors including life expectancy of the existing asset and future projected traffic numbers."
Earlier, an RMS spokesman had confirmed the department had prepared the estimate.
"Costs will be confirmed once a preferred design is identified," he said.
"A preliminary assessment was carried out which showed a need for the project to improve safety and travel times for motorists and freight vehicles and reduce future maintenance costs on the existing bridge."
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