By Alesha Capone
A Werribee resident is calling for the Tarneit Road rail bridge’s main lights to be switched on, more than seven months after the site was officially opened.
Joel Kimber said the road and footpath on the bridge, which was built as part of the Cherry Street level crossing removal, were still only being serviced by two small generator-powered lights – despite the bridge opening back in March.
Mr Kimber, who frequently walks across the bridge during mornings and evenings, said “it can be quite dangerous because of the darkness”.
He said he was worried about the safety of other pedestrians and cyclists, who might not be seen by motorists due to the lack of illumination on the bridge.
“There is only one side with a path to walk on, and that part of the bridge is quite narrow,” he said.
“There are no barriers and the road and concrete of the footpath are right next each other, and the fear is that a car may not be able to stop in time if they need to, if a driver does not see someone in the dark.”
Mr Kimber said that when his daughters walked across the bridge, he encouraged them to walk “as far away from the edge of the footpath as possible”.
He also contacted the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) about how long it is taking to switch the bridge lights on.
“I work in government so I do understand how long things can take, but I think it’s inexcusable,” Mr Kimber said.
A Powercor spokesman said the lights and the connections on the bridge were being built by a contractor for the Department of Transport.
“Powercor’s role is to connect them once this work has been completed and met all safety requirements,” they said.
“At this stage, we are waiting for the contractors to complete their work and undergo the relevant safety checks.”
The spokesperson said Powercor would connect the lights “as soon as is practical once we’ve been informed the work is complete”.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas said: “We thank the community for their patience while we work with Powercor to get the permanent lights switched on for the road bridge.”
