BROADFORD and Wandong are set to face months of disruption as Inland Rail pushes ahead with major bridge construction works, prompting concerns about the impact on the local community.
In Wandong contractor, John Holland, has announced a raft of works in the area, including road realignments, utility relocations and vegetation clearing, as part of preparations for a new rail bridge. The project will bring extensive traffic management measures, including long-term lane closures, shuttle flow systems and reduced speed limits on major local roads.
Key thoroughfares, including Wandong and Epping-Kilmore Roads, will undergo significant realignment over a 250-metre section, requiring long-term traffic control. Utility relocation will also cause short-term lane disruptions on Rail Street, further compounding access issues for residents and businesses.
Adding to community frustration, the town’s cherished Pickett Walk will be closed for up to six weeks due to under bore and trenching works. The popular pathway is a central recreational space, and locals say its closure will detract from the town’s amenity and character.
Private properties aren’t spared either, with fence lines being moved to accommodate the new road alignment.
Local community leaders have called for more consultation and support for those affected. With construction now ramping up, the town is bracing for a long and noisy road ahead.
Broadford’s new start to a new stop
Meanwhile Broadford residents in the Marchbanks Road area are about to face significant disruptions as Inland Rail progresses with works around the Marchbanks Road bridge site, sparking concerns over prolonged impacts on daily life and the local environment.
Contractor John Holland has confirmed a busy schedule of activity throughout July, including tree and vegetation removal, earthworks, and the construction of crane pads and access roads from the Hume Freeway on ramp.
Night works for Short Street
Also in Broadford, Inland Rail is commencing the construction of the new bridge in Short Street across all of July with nightworks on the schedule; access to the bridge from Rupert and Sutherland streets will be temporarily closed.
The works will require long-term temporary traffic changes, and these include an ongoing single lane for shuttle flow over the bridge.
There will also be temporary roadworks at the corner of Burges Lane and Cameron Parade for the detour route and on Catherine Court near the Rupert Street intersection.
Hamilton Street closure
As construction of the new shared use path at Hamilton Street continues, the bridge will be closed for over 48 hours on Sunday, July 27 at 7am to Tuesday, July 29 at 7am.
A detour will be via created via Sunday Creek Road or the Hume Freeway, and motorists are urged to add an additional 20 minutes travel time or 30 minutes during peak times to their journeys.
While Inland Rail promotes the long-term benefits of the project, Broadford and Wandong residents and the business community are increasingly voicing frustration over the scale and duration of the disruptions.
For any concerns or enquiries phone 1800 732 761, or email inlandrailvic@inlandrail.com.au or visit the pop-up inland rail information desk at Country Soul Cafe, 1/70 High Street, Broadford on Wednesdays between 10am-1pm.
