RESIDENTS will keep pushing for the replacement of West Footscray’s Rising Sun footbridge despite a Maribyrnong Council report backing the Regional Rail Link Authority’s (RRLA) decision not to rebuild it.
The West Footscray pedestrian bridge, crossing the rail corridor between Barkly and Gordon streets, is being removed to make way for two new Regional Rail Link lines under the Geelong Road overpass.
Councillors were last night due to vote on a proposal to ditch a rebuild and instead use the money it would cost to fund other works.
The Weekly has reported that some residents are worried the loss of the bridge will sever the link between homes, parks and schools.
But the council report found that low use of the bridge meant replacement “does not represent best value for the use of public funds” when there will already be a new footbridge built further west at West Footscray railway station.
Surveys by the council and RRL found between 54 and 119 people were using the bridge in a 12-hour period.
The report found a replacement bridge was only possible 200
metres to the east, with 160-metre ramps at each end. It argues money would be better spent on pedestrian crossings, better lighting, new open space and extra bike path and walkway works.
Money would also be spent on graffiti removal, landscaping, improved connection to the Geelong Road bus stop and more open space around the new station forecourts.
Seddon mother Shannon Lea, who uses the footbridge to walk her daughter Sophie to Footscray Primary School, says the decision should not be a case of either/or. “I’m amazed as these other works are basic things that you would expect to be provided.”
Ms Lea argues things like crossings and lighting should already be part of the scope of the rail works and redevelopment of West Footscray station.
“This report is a back-step,” she said. “The council has been supporting us up until now.
“We see all these things in the media about how we should be getting more physically active, and here we are taking a backward step and forcing people into cars.”
