INLAND Rail has responded to calls from Wandong residents for urgent action to address what they say is a growing safety risk caused by construction works near Broadford-Wandong Road and Rail Street.
The concerns centre on the loss of a previously safe pedestrian connection, which residents say has forced families, including school children, to walk along an active roadway.
In the response, an Inland Rail spokesperson said major construction works were under way at the site.
“Significant works are taking place at Broadford-Wandong Road to build the new road, roundabout and bridge,” the spokesperson said.
“We are working to minimise the disruption caused by the construction activity. Our number one concern is ensuring the safety of the community and Inland Rail workers during construction.
“Inland Rail continues to work with impacted stakeholders and our construction partner to explore temporary options for the movement of pedestrians around our site.
“On completion of the project there will be new safe pedestrian access, both along Broadford-Wandong Road to Rail Street and across Broadford-Wandong Road Bridge.
“We thank the Wandong community for their ongoing patience while these important works are being carried out.”
Local resident Ashleigh Edge earlier raised concerns about the loss of safe pedestrian access between her home and the Wandong township, particularly for families with school-aged children attending Wandong Primary School.
Ms Edge said the issue first arose in early October, when Inland Rail construction removed an existing pedestrian connection, leaving residents with no option but to walk along the roadway.
“From the outset, we made it clear that the works had removed the previously safe pedestrian connection from our home to Rail Street, forcing children and families to walk on a live road,” Ms Edge said.
The situation is expected to continue for some time, with the project team indicating the works may remain in place until late 2026.
Also in response to the concerns, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) confirmed the matter has been escalated.
In correspondence to Ms Edge, a DTP spokesperson said the department had referred the issue to Inland Rail, the Commonwealth Government organisation responsible for delivering the project.
“DTP has spoken directly to Inland Rail regarding community concerns about the lack of a safe walking path from residential addresses to Rail Street,” the spokesperson said.
“DTP has requested that Inland Rail take urgent action to rectify the issue and report back to the department.”
Many Wandong residents are now calling for immediate government intervention to ensure safe pedestrian access is restored while works continue, along with a compliant long-term solution.