Pedestrian bridge over Merri Creek plans still not flowing despite council commitment
Moreland and Darebin councils agreed to build a bridge over Merri Creek midway through last year. Despite budgets reflecting the commitment, plans and contracts are still yet to be tabled.
North West
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A long-awaited bridge remains in troubled water seven months after two councils agreed to build it.
Moreland and Darebin councils signed off on creating a $2.9 million pedestrian bridge connecting Brunswick East and Northcote over Merri Creek in June after a decade-long local campaign.
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Both councils agreed to split the cost and both have approved funding in their budgets, with Darebin to oversee the construction that was set to begin this month.
But plans and a contract will not be finalised until at least February 4 at a Darebin council meeting.
Moreland director of city infrastructure Grant Thorne said it was expected Darebin would then look to award the contract for the bridge from Beavers Rd, Northcote to Kingfisher Gardens in Brunswick East.
Helen McDonald and Juliet Hall spearheaded the campaign for the bridge in 2015 after earlier attempts failed.
Ms McDonald said while the group was keen to see the bridge begin construction, they would remain patient.
“We’re trying to be really patient, we’re grateful and happy it’s happening,” she said.
“They have to go through the right processes, I wouldn’t say our group is frustrated yet.”
The project is expected to be completed by June.
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