WORK will start in two weeks on suicide barriers for pedestrian bridges crossing the Hume Freeway in Albury.
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Existing screens will be replaced with mesh that makes it more difficult to climb, the height of the barriers raised by almost a metre on most of the pedestrian bridges.
The $2.2 million NSW Government project is the result of lobbying by member for Albury Greg Aplin on the back of community concerns last year.
It’s double the amount originally promised in the state budget, the project now
has three extra crossings.
“This is the result of a meeting more than a year ago, it is something tangible we have been able to do,” he said.
“Certainly the mesh will be tighter than we have on the bridges at present,.
“That will make it more difficult to climb and reduce the threat to motorists from people who have thrown rocks through the gaps in the past.”
Mr Aplin said five overpass bridges and one railway overpass on the Albury-Wodonga Hume Freeway will be upgraded to improve safety.
“The safety screens on the overpasses at Borella Road, North Street, Fallon Street, Corrys Road and the Dean Street pedestrian bridge will be upgraded from this month and the project has been extended to include the Corrys Road rail overpass,” he said.
“Existing screens will be replaced with anti-climb
security mesh and the height of the screens increased by 70 centimetres at Dean Street and 90 centimetres at the other bridges.
“This is the outcome of meetings arranged by Albury Council in 2011 that included representatives from Roads and Maritime Services, Australian Rail Track Corporation, NSW Ambulance Service, police and health workers to address safety issues.”
Mr Aplin said there would be some disruptions but the project was expected to be completed by the end of the year.
