MARIBYRNONG Council has again delayed announcing whether it supports rebuilding West Footscray’s Rising Sun footbridge.
The pedestrian bridge, which crosses the rail corridor between Barkly and Gordon streets, will be removed next year as part of Regional Rail Link works.
A group of residents is fighting for the footbridge to be replaced, but a council report has backed the Regional Rail Link Authority’s decision not to rebuild.
Last month, councillors were due to vote on a proposal to use the money saved from bridge replacement to fund other works in the area. The decision was deferred to a meeting last night, but council officers are still seeking additional information.
It is now expected that the matter will be revisited at a council meeting next month.
A project spokeswoman said the RRL project team was working closely with the council on the West Footscray precinct.
“A number of options were considered for the track alignment. However, no option was able to avoid impact to the Rising Sun footbridge,” said the spokeswoman.
“A range of improvements to connectivity, safety, accessibility and amenity in the West Footscray precinct are proposed, should the Rising Sun footbridge not be replaced.”
She said a review of pedestrian travel paths showed that there was very little, if any, difference in distance to key locations as a consequence of removing the footbridge.
Seddon mother Shannon Lea argues the proposed works, such as crossings and lighting, should already be part of the West Footscray station redevelopment.
– Benjamin Millar
