Bridge alternative likely

Town unites: Community leaders and councillors joined in the Leongatha bridge battle.

By Bert van Bedaf

WHILE the Leongatha community is firmly united behind finding a positive solution to the footbridge issue, other developments overtook their actions last week.
Federal MP for McMillan, Russell Broadbent visited the Leongatha footbridge last Thursday morning and promised to consult with Victorian Nationals leader Peter Ryan on the issue.
But by Friday afternoon, the owner of the footbridge super structure, VicTrack announced it would assist South Gippsland Shire Council in funding an alternative to the bridge, which will be demolished.
VicTrack general manager asset management, Geoff Walker committed to demolition of the bridge and upgrading of an alternative route at a cost of $30,000.
“The existing bridge is beyond repair and will be demolished in stages, commencing with the section over the road, which is in a dangerous state,” Mr Walker said.
Also, because the bridge “no longer served regular rail passengers, the high cost of a new bridge built to modern standards could not be justified on transport grounds and was beyond VicTrack’s means to fund”.
“We recognise however, that the bridge provided a key pedestrian link for local residents, which is why we are committed to funding with the council more cost-effective alternative solutions,” Mr Walker said.
He said VicTrack would work together with the South Gippsland Shire Council “to provide safe pedestrian access into Leongatha’s CBD following the closure of the station’s pedestrian bridge”.
He said council was “investigating short and medium term options to ensure safe access along the side of the roadway from the bus stop to the pedestrian crossing at the Strzelecki Highway”.
A pedestrian path is proposed to be built on top of or alongside the existing drain next to the road. Council and VicTrack are investigating the costs and joint funding for the works.
VicTrack will also improve the surface of the crossing and widen it to provide easy access for wheelchair and scooter users. New fencing and signage will also be installed. VicTrack will fund the crossing works at an estimated cost of $30,000.
“Installation of a dedicated path and the upgraded crossing will provide a good solution for residents and visitors travelling between the town and the bus stop at a fraction of the cost of a new bridge.”
Mr Walker asked for the patience of the local community while the temporary works were carried out.
Mayor Jim Fawcett welcomed the move. “It seems like a reasonable response,” Cr Fawcett said. “It is a temporary solution to an immediate problem.”
Mr Broadbent spent an hour with several councillors, community leaders and concerned residents at the site.
Mr Seabrook said the part of the bridge across the access road behind the Bair St shops had to be demolished straight away by VicTrack, because of public risk, and the ramp part across the railway to the V/Line bus terminal was also not safe to be used by the public.
Measures to provide a safe route from the bus stop to the centre of Leongatha were considered urgent, Mr Seabrook said.
A short option was to provide a sealed path along the railway lane between the bus stop and Edney’s and provide more pedestrian safety on the railway crossing and recommendations would be put before council.
A quick seal would cost about $30,000, Mr Seabrook said. A complete road job, including drainage would cost up to $200,000.
“Council accepts that the bridge is condemned and that the solutions presented will resolve many of the issues. It will still work with the community to investigate alternate solutions for the bridge,” Mr Seabrook said.
“The area is not only a key pedestrian link to the CBD for local residents, it is an important link to public transport (V-Line buses). The Mun Heng restaurant has noticed a drop off in patronage since the closure. It is worth noting that they are still easily accessible (from Bair St) and open for business.”

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Posted by Chris Brown on Sep 8 2009. Filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry