THE Rising Sun footbridge in Footscray will disappear forever next year after Maribyrnong Council reversed its support for replacing the bridge.
A majority of councillors voted last week to support the Regional Rail Link Authority’s preference to fund improvement works in the West Footscray station precinct instead of replacing the bridge. The bridge is being removed to make way for two new rail tracks.
Mayor John Cumming voted against the motion but said the decision followed considerable consultation, research and review.
He told a packed community meeting in Seddon on Monday night that the area had always been a problem. The meeting was to discuss the impact of the Regional Rail Link project.
Cr Cumming added: “Our community can look forward to receiving a number of safety improvements, including a new pedestrian crossing at Cross Street, footpath upgrades at Geelong Road, a new signalised pedestrian crossing over Sunshine Road, improved bike path links and additional lighting in a number of areas.”
RRL construction manager Adam Maguire outlined improvement works that would be part of the project. He said there was low existing usage of the Rising Sun bridge.
Mr Maguire confirmed that $6-$7million would be saved by not rebuilding the footbridge, but he was unable to detail the cost of the proposed improvements. He denied cost-saving was the motivation behind the decision.
Mr Maguire said current users of the Rising Sun footbridge would be able to access the new West Footscray bridge or cross the line via the Victoria Street underpass.
Residents argue the Victoria Street option is not only a longer route to destinations such as Footscray Primary School and Gilmore Girls College but requires crossing busy Geelong Road.
The footbridge will be demolished next year, but the RRLA has guaranteed a pedestrian connection will be maintained across the railway line at West Footscray until the new bridge is built.
