The latest design of Broadford’s Hamilton Street bridge has been released, much to the dismay of the Broadford Residents Action Group (BRAG).
Available for viewing both in-person and online, the visualisations highlight new traffic connections, safer intersections, and improved pedestrian protection—and a drastic increase in the height of the new bridge.
Since the initial draft was released more than a year ago, BRAG, previously known as the Concerned Citizens of Broadford (CCOB) group, has been campaigning heavily to prevent the bridge from being raised by the proposed 1.5–1.6 metres, arguing that increasing the slope of the bridge would exacerbate the dangerous nature of the Hamilton Street and High Street intersection.
While a draft released earlier this year provided some hope for the group—indicating that the bridge would only be raised by 1.2 metres—the latest design proposes raising the bridge by 1.7 metres, a change BRAG condemned.
“The Broadford community was led to believe that the bridge was being raised 1.2 metres, which is bad enough,” they said.
“The information that Inland Rail presents to the community … [shows] a fairly flat level bridge where they state they have listened to community feedback and lowered the tracks. However, they never mention how high they will be raising the bridge.
“Inland Rail continually refuses to show the community the actual elevation and section view of the height of the new bridge compared to the existing bridge.
“It is very unlikely that the steep slope, from the highest point of the bridge to the eastern edge of [the] High Street and Hamilton Street intersection, meets the maximum standard of an eight per cent slope, causing this intersection to be even more dangerous.”
However, an Inland Rail spokesperson emphasised that the maximum standard would be adhered to, as per industry regulations.
“At Hamilton Street, Inland Rail is proposing a combination of raising the bridge and lowering the tracks to accommodate double-stacked freight trains,” they said.
“A safe road gradient is a requirement of the design, and it will be maintained as work continues to progress the designs for Hamilton Street bridge.”
With High Street ultimately the responsibility of the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), and Hamilton Street the responsibility of Mitchell Shire Council (MSC), BRAG called on both organisations and various members of parliament for assistance, suggesting that a roundabout or traffic lights could improve the safety of the intersection.
While MSC Chief Executive Brett Luxford emphasised council’s commitment to advocating for improved safety measures, he noted that changes could only proceed with approval from the DTP.
“Council continues to advocate for the inclusion of traffic lights and possible speed reductions on High Street in the Inland Rail design,” he said.
“The responsibility for speed zoning on High Street lies with the DTP.
“Council has identified the need for signalisation at the intersection of High Street and Hamilton Street—the cost of implementing this project is estimated at $5 million.”
However, the DTP appeared unaware of any discussions involving the intersection or their responsibility for High Street, with a spokesperson providing no comment in response to the Review’s enquiries, stating that they should be directed to the project manager instead.
“This project, including its road connections, is being managed by Inland Rail,” they said.
“Any media enquiries should be directed to them.”
BRAG urged residents to provide feedback on the designs to Inland Rail, and advocate for improved safety measures.
“Although the design width of the bridge is adequate and there is provision for pedestrians on both sides of the road, there are some design issues that still need to be attended to,” they said.
“The steep slope from the top of the Hamilton Street bridge to the … intersection at High Street [is dangerous].”
The new plans can be viewed at Country Soul Cafe, 1/70 High Street, Broadford, on Wednesdays between 10am–2pm, or online anytime at www.inlandrail.info/broadforddesign.
Consultations close December 15. For more information on BRAG, visit www.bragbroadford.com.au.
