Double-stacked freight trains to run on the line would be too tall to fit under the bridges, so the Australian Rail Track Corporation has proposed replacing them with one taller bridge.

Acting chief executive Alan Clark old Tuesday night’s meeting plans were “literally up in the air” as any bridge would have to be about eight metres high to accommodate the freight trains.

“That’s going to mean very long ramps, because ramps have to be a certain level,” he said.

“We are asking the ARTC to look at dropping the tracks, which would allow the pedestrian bridges to remain.

“That’s to preserve the southernmost pedestrian bridge which was built in 1888, so it’s got some pretty significant heritage.”

But that is just one option.

Mr Clark said council and ARTC staff were also discussing replacing the bridges with an underpass at the rail station instead, which he said would be more attractive than a larger bridge because it would only have to go three metres under the track.

The council will also consider an ARTC proposal to move the dual tracks from the east to the west side of the building, and councillors voted to maintain the rail station’s heritage look and feel.

Nearby Cafe Derailleur owner Eric Bittner asked the council to ensure any paths were shared between pedestrians and cyclists, who were an important part of his business.

Cr Dean Rees said the bridges were used as a path between Wangaratta hospital and the central business district.

“Connectivity between the east and the west is super important, especially in that location,” he said.

Cr Harvey Benton said the ARTC could sometimes be like “big brother” so it was important the council was in a good position to advocate.

Councillors recommended considering a variety of options during negotiations with the ARTC and expected to be presented with the final preference in November.

Inland rail construction is scheduled to take place between 2020 and 2025.

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