Install a safety barrier on the north side of the new Short Street Bridge footpath.
The issue
Walking over the new footpath on the Short Street Bridge bridge near our town will become an unexpected hazard for our community. Not long ago, a protective fence shielded pedestrians from the traffic on the busy Short Street road that flanks this footpath. Now, with the construction of the new bridge by Inland Rail, a critical safety measure has been overlooked. The south side of the bridge boasts a reassuring barrier, yet the north side remains perilously exposed.
Our community, especially school children, faces a daily risk. Imagine the unease every time a child leans just a bit too far towards the road, or when a vehicle unexpectedly veers off course and onto the curb. It's a distressing thought for any parent or pedestrian who relies on this path to safely reach our schools and town facilities.
Data from various road safety studies reveal that pedestrian barriers can decrease accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians by up to 50%. Given the high traffic volume over our bridge, a similar reduction here could save lives and prevent injuries. Cities and communities worldwide recognize the importance of such protective measures in high-traffic areas to ensure pedestrian safety.
Inland Rail took commendable steps to address this issue on the south side; we're asking for the same consideration for the north. The absence of a barrier creates an asymmetrical safety dynamic that puts half of those who use the bridge at greater risk.
We propose installing a robust fence on the north side of the footpath, the concrete protective one already established on the south. This will provide a consistent safety environment for all bridge users. Furthermore, seeking community input and consultation during the planning phase can help identify such oversights and foster solutions that best serve the public good.
We call on Inland Rail and local authorities to prioritize this issue and act before a preventable incident occurs. For the wellbeing of our families and future generations, we must ensure that our town's infrastructure is safe for all its residents.
Please sign the petition to make our footpath bridge safe for every community member.
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The issue
Walking over the new footpath on the Short Street Bridge bridge near our town will become an unexpected hazard for our community. Not long ago, a protective fence shielded pedestrians from the traffic on the busy Short Street road that flanks this footpath. Now, with the construction of the new bridge by Inland Rail, a critical safety measure has been overlooked. The south side of the bridge boasts a reassuring barrier, yet the north side remains perilously exposed.
Our community, especially school children, faces a daily risk. Imagine the unease every time a child leans just a bit too far towards the road, or when a vehicle unexpectedly veers off course and onto the curb. It's a distressing thought for any parent or pedestrian who relies on this path to safely reach our schools and town facilities.
Data from various road safety studies reveal that pedestrian barriers can decrease accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians by up to 50%. Given the high traffic volume over our bridge, a similar reduction here could save lives and prevent injuries. Cities and communities worldwide recognize the importance of such protective measures in high-traffic areas to ensure pedestrian safety.
Inland Rail took commendable steps to address this issue on the south side; we're asking for the same consideration for the north. The absence of a barrier creates an asymmetrical safety dynamic that puts half of those who use the bridge at greater risk.
We propose installing a robust fence on the north side of the footpath, the concrete protective one already established on the south. This will provide a consistent safety environment for all bridge users. Furthermore, seeking community input and consultation during the planning phase can help identify such oversights and foster solutions that best serve the public good.
We call on Inland Rail and local authorities to prioritize this issue and act before a preventable incident occurs. For the wellbeing of our families and future generations, we must ensure that our town's infrastructure is safe for all its residents.
Please sign the petition to make our footpath bridge safe for every community member.
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Petition created on 15 July 2026