How much each Montague Street Bridge crash costs Victoria’s economy

Every bridge strike costs the Victorian economy about $100,000, new data from the state government has found.

At that rate, the Montague Street Bridge, which was struck between six and nine times per year pre-pandemic, costs the economy between $600,000 and $900,000 per annum.

Minister for Public Transport, Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll, says the estimate is based on a 45-minute road closure.

“We estimate $100,000, that is based on the 45 minute delay to traffic, including freight, but also the impact it has on public transport passengers that often have to have their line cancelled above the bridge,” he told Ross and Russel.

Mr Carroll says the figure is “conservative” because it doesn’t include the cost of emergency services attending, which is often required.

“We don’t want any bridge strikes if we can avoid them,” he said.

The costs for inspection, paint repairs and sign replacements after a collision with a major bridge strike on Montague Street can cost up to $30,000.

Press PLAY below to hear more about the staggering costs associated with bridge crashes

Images: Department of Transport / supplied