Members of the Wandong community are being invited to weigh in on the latest designs for the much-anticipated Broadford-Wandong Road bridge, as Inland Rail prepares for construction later this year. This initiative aims not only to modernize the infrastructure but also to improve safety for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Set against the backdrop of increasing freight traffic, the bridge will facilitate the passage of double-stacked freight trains, which necessitates specific design enhancements. The newly released visualizations of the bridge showcase wider traffic lanes and safer pathways for all users, including dedicated space for cyclists and pedestrians. Improvements to local road intersections, such as Rail Street and Epping-Kilmore Road, are also part of the new plans, which aim to streamline traffic flow and reduce risks.
From February 24 to March 24, 2025, Inland Rail, along with their construction partner John Holland, will conduct extensive community engagement activities. This month-long process invites locals to provide feedback and ask questions about the proposed designs. Residents can view the updated designs and share their thoughts on the project via the Inland Rail website or at designated pop-up sessions throughout the community.
Justene Cowie, the Inland Rail B2A Manager for Stakeholder Engagement and Communications, emphasized the importance of community input, stating, "The latest designs have incorporated previous community feedback, including improved safety at the Rail Street intersection and connecting pathways for pedestrians and cyclists." This kind of engagement not only helps refine the project but also fosters greater community ownership of the infrastructure upgrades.
Feedback can be offered in several ways, providing accessibility to all community members. For example, residents can chat with the Inland Rail team at Crumbs & Co cafe on Mondays from 10 am to 1 pm, or join discussions at the Magpie Stump Hotel on March 7, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. There will also be opportunities to engage outside Wandong Primary School on March 13, from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Those unable to attend can call the Inland Rail team at 1800 732 761 or email them at [email protected] to schedule individual appointments.
The designs reflect ideas from earlier rounds of community feedback, which have been instrumental in shaping the project. Extensions to community areas, such as the community garden, feature prominently, showcasing Inland Rail's commitment to intertwining urban development with community needs. This approach ensures the bridge is not just functional but also enhances the surrounding environment.
With the project timeline firmly set, the community is eager to see the bridge come to fruition. The incorporation of extensive safety features aims to bolster confidence among local residents and improve overall traffic conditions.
Interested individuals are encouraged to participate and make their voices heard, helping to refine the designs before any construction begins. The feedback gained will be invaluable as it shapes not merely the bridge itself, but also the broader strategy for future infrastructure projects.
Infrastructure plays a pivotal role in connecting communities and fuelling economic growth, and projects like the Broadford-Wandong Road bridge are steps toward enhancing the quality of local transport systems. With double-stacked freight trains becoming increasingly common, the need for higher, wider bridges cannot be overstated. Projects like this signal proactive approaches by organizations like Inland Rail to meet future demands.
While the construction is poised to begin soon, the emphasis placed on community feedback reinforces the belief held by many locals: infrastructure projects should be developed with the input of those they impact directly. Ensuring safety, efficiency, and community satisfaction are top priorities moving forward.
The month of feedback will allow community members to engage productively with Inland Rail and its partners, fostering collaborative involvement for years to come. With the final designs pending community suggestions, residents of Wandong are proving just how impactful local engagements can be for shaping their environment.