Councillors at this week’s meeting committed to continue discussions with the ARTC over the next year as they figure out how to accommodate the taller trains as part of the inland rail.

Some residents have opposed the preferred option to replace the two old pedestrian bridges with an underpass, but in responding to a question from a cyclist, mayor Dean Rees said there would be many benefits.

“The connectivity between the two sides of the railway track, with the hospital, we’ll make sure through council that it is appropriate for all users whether it’s wheelchairs, scooters, bicycles or walking,” he said.

“It will hopefully make it easier than going over the bridges, which is very hard for your bike at the present time. In today’s world those bridges probably aren’t legal with the gradient.

“Moving forward, the underpass is what the ARTC are hoping to do, which will certainly make the access ramps easier.”

The ARTC will hold more consultation in February and March to share details of its plans, which could include repurposing the historic Cusack Street pedestrian bridge.

A spokesman said there had also been a lot of consultation with groups such as seniors and cyclist and found there was no preference for either an overpass or underpass.

“There are advantages, disadvantages, risks and concerns with all options which we have to carefully work through,” he said.  

“What the community is asking ARTC to consider is an alternate connection that better supports the accessibility and safety they believe is currently lacking.”

Safety will be one of the big issues to consider.

“Many users have expressed concerns specifically around the steepness of the current foot bridges, which create issues for the elderly, or those with mobility issues, or parents pushing strollers,” the spokesman said.

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