Jennifer Pittorino
Hobsons Bay residents have emerged victorious following the handing down of last Tuesday’s state budget, which included $12 million for a long awaited cycling bridge.
Altona and Altona Meadows residents like Dorothy MacKechnie have been campaigning for a footbridge along Queen Street for more than 11 years, which is why Ms MacKechnie was ecstatic to hear the state government had finally listened to the wishes of residents.
“It’s wonderful news that the funding has been approved,” she said.
“Members of the community will hopefully soon be able to cross from Altona Meadows to Altona safely.”
The $12 million will be used to build a shared user path over Laverton Creek in Queen Street, Altona.
The pedestrian and cycling bridge will ease the minds of the many residents who currently make the journey walking in the bike lane as cars drive alongside them at 60km an hour, with no more than a painted line separating them.
Between 2016 and 2021, 26 crashes occurred on Queen Street between Victoria and Maidstone streets, 10 of which involved cyclists and four resulted in serious injury.
Ms MacKechnie said pedestrians also need a safe crossing to get from one side of Queen Street to the other.
“This will help people get safely across to the bus stop, and to be able to continue on the cycle path on the other side of Queen Street,” she said.
“Once the bridge is in place, it will also enable people to cross the road to use the bridge.“
Williamstown MP Melissa Horne was pleased to hear a petition, which she created with Point Cook MP Matthew Hilakari, had paid off.
“Today marks a significant win for Altona residents,” she said.
“Through this funding allocation, we are taking decisive action to address safety concerns and enhance local connectivity.
“This investment reaffirms our commitment to improving infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Hobsons Bay council Mayor Matt Tyler said he was pleased to hear of the funding win, which will impact the more than 19,000 vehicles which use the existing bridge everyday.
“Council and the community have been advocating for this project for many years, so it is a significant win for our community,” he said
“We have been working closely with the Department of Transport and Planning on the design of the new bridge, and we look forward to seeing works begin and our community having a safe passage between Altona and Altona Meadows.”
