Published Monday, 11 February, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Fencing to make David Trumpy Bridge safer for pedestrians
Temporary fencing on the David Trumpy Bridge would soon make it safer for pedestrians to access the Riverlink Shopping Centre, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.
Mr Pitt said pedestrian safety had been a concern for residents since the shopping centre opened last year.
He thanked Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan and Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt for highlighting the safety issues to him.
"With more pedestrians than ever using the bridge, the existing arrangements can be improved to prevent a child straying on to the road," Mr Pitt said.
Ms Nolan said the high volume of pedestrian traffic on the bridge was the result of Leda's failure to build the designated pedestrian bridge.
"In July 2004, a condition was set that Leda would build the bridge before opening the shopping centre. Nearly four years down the track, Leda has simply not exercised goodwill in getting the bridge built.
"This has led to a clear safety issue on the David Trumpy Bridge, which the government is addressing," she said.
Mr Wendt said: "Leda is still keen to open its pedestrian link on to the David Trumpy Bridge but Main Roads has made it clear that will not happen until a permanent safety fence is built."
"Construction of the temporary barrier will begin this week, weather permitting, and all construction work will take place at night to minimise disruption to traffic," he said.
Media contacts:
Minister Pitt's Office 3227 8819; Ms Nolan 0400 961 394; Mr Wendt 3813 0074
Mr Pitt said pedestrian safety had been a concern for residents since the shopping centre opened last year.
He thanked Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan and Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt for highlighting the safety issues to him.
"With more pedestrians than ever using the bridge, the existing arrangements can be improved to prevent a child straying on to the road," Mr Pitt said.
Ms Nolan said the high volume of pedestrian traffic on the bridge was the result of Leda's failure to build the designated pedestrian bridge.
"In July 2004, a condition was set that Leda would build the bridge before opening the shopping centre. Nearly four years down the track, Leda has simply not exercised goodwill in getting the bridge built.
"This has led to a clear safety issue on the David Trumpy Bridge, which the government is addressing," she said.
Mr Wendt said: "Leda is still keen to open its pedestrian link on to the David Trumpy Bridge but Main Roads has made it clear that will not happen until a permanent safety fence is built."
"Construction of the temporary barrier will begin this week, weather permitting, and all construction work will take place at night to minimise disruption to traffic," he said.
Media contacts:
Minister Pitt's Office 3227 8819; Ms Nolan 0400 961 394; Mr Wendt 3813 0074