Main Roads WA proposed demolition of Stock Rd footbridge

The City of Cockburn's response to the Fremantle Herald on 15.1.20 to questions about Main Roads WA proposed demolition of the pedestrian bridge over Stock Road due to safety concerns after it was hit by a truck -

Question: What is the City’s position on the closure of the overpass and Main Roads’ decision not to replace the bridge.
 
Answer: The City has met with representatives from Main Roads WA and understands the requirement to remove the pedestrian bridge due to safety concerns, following significant structural damage after it was hit by an over-height truck travelling on Stock Road in December 2019.

The City intends to conduct urgent negotiations with the State Government advocating for Main Roads WA to replace its pedestrian bridge with a similar structure, as it forms a vital link in the shared path network in Hamilton Hill and Coolbellup for pedestrians and cyclists.

Question: If the overpass is incorporated in the planning for the redevelopment of the old Hamilton Senior High School site - is the bridge an important component of that plan?

Answer: The pedestrian bridge serves an important role as part of the local pedestrian network between the suburbs of Hamilton Hill and Coolbellup on either side of busy Stock Road, regardless of the redevelopment of the former Hamilton Senior High School site.

Question: Does the city have concerns about the lack of suitable pedestrian crossings in this section of Stock Road.
 
Answer: The City totally opposes not replacing the overpass, as the only other option for pedestrians and cyclists is to cross Stock Road at the intersection with Forrest Road which is a signalised intersection, which is not as safe as the pedestrian bridge option which prevents pedestrians and cyclists needing to interact with traffic flow on Stock Road.

A pedestrian crossing on Stock Road at the pedestrian bridge location would pose a safety concern due to the number of lanes pedestrians would need to negotiate on the 80kmh heavy vehicle route. The City believes this would create an unacceptable safety risk for pedestrians and cyclists.