Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has delivered the news Thornlie residents were waiting for, reaffirming her commitment to a footbridge at Elliot Place.
Concerns were raised by local residents in April after the Elliot Place/Cameron Street pedestrian crossing was abruptly closed by METRONET, with no guarantee a planned alternative walkway would go ahead.
The pedestrian level crossing serves a vital link to the community, regardless which side of the crossing they live on, providing access to Tom Bateman Sporting Complex Reserve, Sacred Heart South Thornlie Primary Schools, Thornlie Senior High School and Yale Primary School.
Thornlie Cockburn Link East community reference group member Paul Gayton said at the group’s last meeting, on March 23, METRONET staff were still surveying residents and the group, with a decision on the construction of a new footbridge to be made prior to the next meeting in June.
METRONET confirmed the planned footbridge was being reviewed to determine if it was still required.
But in response to questions in Parliament from Thornlie MP Chris Tallentire earlier this month, Ms Saffioti has confirmed the pedestrian crossing would go ahead.
“As we know, we are building the Thornlie–Cockburn Link, which includes two new train stations,” she told parliament.
“Work is well underway. As part of those works, of course, we had to close the pedestrian level crossing at Elliot Place in Thornlie for safety reasons and because it is a significant construction site.
“When we closed that level crossing, we made a commitment to build a new footbridge. I can confirm that we will build a new footbridge in that area.
“We are reaffirming our commitment to a universally accessible footbridge with ramps on either side, which will remain within the scope of the Thornlie–Cockburn project.
“The bridge will be designed to help minimise the privacy concerns of people in neighbouring properties.
“The project team will continue to liaise with local members and the City of Gosnells about the bridge.
“There are some preliminary designs and, through the local member, we will continue to update the community about the progress of that project.”
Deputy mayor Adam Hort, a Thornlie local, said it was fantastic news for the local community.
“It’s wonderful to have the commitment, it’s an important piece of infrastructure in Thornlie,” he said.
“It connects the two parts of Thornlie, we’ll be able to have pedestrians and cyclists and it’s also an important connection to Roe Highway.”
