Hawkesbury River railway bridge quickly falling into disrepair claims State Opposition Leader

‘‘This is a disaster waiting to happen,’’ Mr Foley said.

‘‘The bridge is quite literally crumbling at its foundations.’’

However, the government said Sydney Trains had advised there was no risk to passengers or freight on the Hawkesbury Bridge.

But in response to the report, the government also said it would appoint an independent investigator to look at the bridge.

Mr Foley said a 2013 report the opposition obtained under Freedom of Information stated the bridge had to be repaired within one year.

It stated the bridge’s underwater steel extensions were corroding because concrete coverings were either missing or weakening.

‘‘The government has known for two years about the potentially devastating risk to commuter and freight rail safety,’’ Mr Foley said.

‘‘More than 600 train services carrying 11,000 passengers between Sydney and the Central Coast and Hunter use the Hawkesbury Bridge every day; their safety must be paramount.’’

A spokesman for Transport Minister Andrew Constance said although advised there was no danger, the minister had referred the matter to the Office of Transport Safety Investigations.

‘‘We want to be doubly satisfied that there is no risk to customers,’’ he said.

‘‘An increase in the riverbed’s depth meant changes were proposed to the maintenance work covered by the tender that significantly changed the project’s scope and budget. Sydney Trains decided the most responsible approach would be to expand the project and go out to tender again to ensure we still had the best people for the job.’’