Residents want pedestrian access improved over Geelong West bridge

Angry Drumcondra residents have called on the state government to improve pedestrian access over a busy Geelong West bridge, fearing it’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.

Angry Drumcondra residents have called on the state government to improve pedestrian access over a busy Geelong West bridge.

The Church St bridge in Geelong - known as the Telegraph Bridge - has sparked safety concerns over its narrow footpaths and lack of safety barriers separating pedestrians from motorists.

Local Pam Colenso, who campaigned to have the speed limit lowered to 50km/h, said the bridge was an accident waiting to happen.

“We have a lot of problems with debris flying up from trucks and pedestrians unable to distance on the narrow footpath,” she said.

“I would hate to think that a piece of debris could flick into a child’s face or someone was unstable on their feet as they walked past.”

Ms Colenso said the “shaky” nature of the bridge overgrown weeds near the footpath were also cause for concern.

“My neighbours won't let their kids walk to school because it’s too unsafe,” she said.

Residents Helen and David White, Justin Coburn with Leela, 7, and Asha, 5, and Pam Colenson are concerned with safety on the Telegraph Bridge. Picture: Mike Dugdale

It’s understood Regional Roads Victoria replaced rail on the south side of the bridge as part of maintenance works.

Local resident David White, who needs a mobility scooter to access the bridge, the construction of a safe pedestrian overpass on the northside of the bridge to allow for better accessibility.

“Trying to get across Telegraph bridge on the narrow footpath is really difficult,” he said.

“There’s no protection between traffic that’s barelling from Church St to the Bay.”

It’s understood the current bridge was built in 1971 when the Princess Highway was widened and the neighbouring intersection was constructed.

Mr White said a steel barrier and wider footpath would also improve safety across the bridge.

“It would give footpath users total protection,” he said.

Department of Transport Barwon southwest regional director Vanessa Schernickau said the speed limit was reduced to 50km/h last December.

“We’ve taken action to improve safety on the Telegraph Bridge for all road users by reducing the speed limit to 50km/h to help reduce the likelihood of serious collisions and provide added protection for pedestrians and cyclists,” she said.

“Pedestrian warning signs have also been installed on the approach to the bridge to increase driver awareness of pedestrians in the area.”

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Originally published as Residents want pedestrian access improved over Geelong West bridge