Residents of the Brisbane city of Ipswich will soon have a key transport link reinstated with the installation of a temporary pedestrian overpass connecting Herbert and Challinor Streets at Sadliers Crossing.
Queensland Rail Head for SE Queensland, Neil Backer, said the temporary structure would service the community while plans for a new, permanent bridge were finalised.
Due to its deteriorated condition, the timber bridge over the rail line at Herbert Street in Sadliers Crossing has been closed to motor vehicles.
“We understand the importance of this bridge to the Ipswich community”, Backer said.
“That’s why, even though the bridge is not needed for Queensland Rail’s operations, we have committed to building a new bridge in the same location to reconnect the community and ensure emergency access is maintained.
“We have listened to community feedback asking for this temporary structure to enable pedestrians to cross the rail corridor while we continue to plan for a permanent bridge.
“While the temporary structure is in place, Queensland Rail will continue to progress the design for the new, permanent bridge that meets modern standards, including the required accessibility standards.
“Once complete, this new bridge will provide an active transport corridor for pedestrians, cyclists, and people with mobility devices, and include a single, trafficable lane for vehicle access during an emergency.”
Preliminary works for the temporary Sadliers Crossing overpass and footbridge will begin on Thursday January 18, with the structure to be installed during a planned track closure on Saturday, January 20 and Sunday, January 21.
Final works will be carried out from Monday to Thursday January 22-25, weather and construction conditions permitting, with the temporary pedestrian structure expected to be open at the end of January.
Queensland Rail will continue to keep the community informed of key developments relating to the design for the overpass, new bridge and project progress.
