TOODYAY’S Duke Street footbridge over the east-west freight railway line that bisects the town near the Alma Beard Medical Centre is expected to reopen by November.
The Toodyay Shire Council agreed last month to take over maintaining the bridge later this year after the State Government spends $145,000 on a safety upgrade and the shire contributes $56,000 for repairs.
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The Perth Transport Authority (PTA) will also build a new controlled railway crossing suitable for disabled people west of the railway station.
The bridge was closed in May last year after a local resident was injured in a fall on the uneven walkway.
A PTA spokesperson said the works would repair critical parts of the bridge, including replacing parts of the pier columns, repairing mesh inserts on the handrails and broken railings, and replacing degraded parts of the bridge decking.
Depending on the weather and subject to required rail safety approvals by freight rail operator Arc Infrastructure, work should begin in September.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said she knew how important the footbridge was to the people of Toodyay and that many users were looking forward to it reopening.
“Ensuring there is a safe option for passengers and community members alike – particularly those with a disability – to cross the tracks is an important initiative,” she said.
Local Labor MP Darren West said he had lobbied the State Government for this outcome and was delighted that the parties involved had reached an agreement.
“I thank the Minister for this investment in the Toodyay community and for her ongoing support of the AvonLink Train Service.”
Local WA Nationals MP Shane Love described it on Facebook as “great news for Toodyay residents”.
“I have actively lobbied the Transport Minister on this important issue for some time now and this is a great result,” he said.
“I thank the Minister for her support.
“This is a good long-term and workable solution that ensures Toodyay residents – including the young, disabled and elderly – can safely cross from one side of town to the other.”
