Albury to Illabo Inland Rail Project Director Malcolm Clark and Stakeholder Engagement Lead Grant Johnson have unveiled plans for the Wagga bridges affected by Inland Rail. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Plans for the Edmondson Street and Mothers bridges have officially been unveiled by Inland Rail, with works projected to begin in September this year.
Inland Rail is a 1600-km freight rail-line project that will connect Melbourne and Brisbane via the Riverina. It is being constructed by the Federal Government-owned Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). The project is aimed at helping companies send their produce to big cities and ports faster and more efficiently.
The project has caused controversy in Wagga Wagga due to many residents’ opposition to the number and size of trains expected to travel through the middle of the city and the possibility of their movements delaying travel, causing longer wait times for health care.
Many individuals and stakeholders – including Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr – have called for the project, which will only run freight trains, to bypass the city entirely.
As recently as March, the Federal Government announced a $30 million, five-year initiative to research the possibility of a bypass by 2030.
However, a potential bypass will only come following the completion of current plans, with trains due to begin passing through the city as early as 2027, with construction beginning later this year.
The new plans and designs detail the necessary changes needed to allow double-stacked freight trains through the heart of Wagga Wagga.
The works will see the Edmondson Street and Mothers bridges and Cassidy Parade Footbridge raised to allow the extra-large trains through safely.
Following a visit to Wagga Wagga on 15 May, Albury to Illabo Inland Rail Project Director Malcolm Clark said the plans were approved by Transport for NSW and Wagga Wagga City Council after consultation with more than 250 affected residents and stakeholders.
“People are happy that we’re about to get going on Inland Rail,” Mr Clark said.
“We’ve been knocking on doors this week in the local area, which has been really good, just to give people a feel for what it will look like in 2027 when we’re wrapping up out here. There’s been some really positive feedback from the community.
Mr Clarke said plans for the Wagga section of Inland Rail had been developing since 2021 and had received approval from local and state authorities at each step of the process.
“All three bridges have undergone a rigorous design and approvals process, which demands we work in close consultation with key stakeholders, including Transport for NSW and Wagga Wagga City Council,” he said.
“We are working with Transport for NSW and Wagga Wagga City Council to finalise our Construction Traffic and Transport Management Plan and associated sub-plans to minimise impacts to the community as much as possible.
“We acknowledge that the closure of Edmondson Street will lead to unavoidable traffic delays, and we are currently working with key stakeholders, including Transport for NSW and Wagga Wagga City Council, to develop mitigations to reduce these delays as much as is practical. We thank the Wagga Wagga community for their patience and understanding throughout these important works when the time comes.”
Mothers Bridge will be raised to allow double-stacked freight trains through while also allowing residents to walk from Railway Street to Wagga Train Station. Photo: Inland Rail.
The Edmondson Street Bridge will feature a separate pedestrian path that meets the accessibility requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), enabling users with mobility restrictions to safely use the bridge.
As required by Wagga Wagga City Council’s guidelines, road vehicles will experience a maximum grade on the approaches of 10 per cent.
The Mothers Bridge and Cassidy Parade Footbridge will feature ramps that, similar to Edmondson Street, meet DDA requirements for a shallow gradient to allow easier access. They will also feature anti-throw screens and handrails for enhanced safety and usability.
Work is expected to begin during September when the rail line will be closed temporarily to ensure safety for work crews.
The Edmondson Street Bridge is expected to be closed for about 18 months.
Original Article published by Jarryd Rowley on Region Riverina.
