4 May 2009: SEQ: Oxley foot bridge - a bridge to nowhere

[ozbob]

Media Release 4 May 2009

SEQ:  Oxley foot bridge - a bridge to nowhere

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has called for an acceleration in the commissioning of the new Oxley foot bridge.  Months late, residents and commuters are becoming frustrated with ongoing issues which delay its opening.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Oxley footbridge is a necessary local thoroughfare connecting the local Oxley community and for use by rail commuters.  Oxley is a very busy station."

"Initial community consultation indicated the old footbridge would be decommissioned in June 2008 and the new one commissioned by December 2008 (1)"

"In an apparent attempt to ease some local concerns, access from the street and new car park to the eastern end platform 3 at Oxley was finally given on 1st May 2009.  However the go card reader at the eastern entrance was not operating (and still is not operating as of 6.30am May 4), although the reader next to the northern footbridge stairs is but it is behind barriers and not accessible!  Commuters still have to track down to the other end of platform 3 to touch on or off.  Why is the travelling public treated in such an offhand manner?"

"RAIL Back On Track calls for an explanation from the Minister as to why the bridge is not open,  and when can we expect a functioning go card reader and bridge opening?"

"Oxley residents and rail commuters have been very patient!"

Reference:

1.
http://www.trackstar.com.au/images/stories/cons_notices/COD/remqr_con_up_fb_closure_13_june_2008.pdf

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
0412255927
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

The go card reader eastern end of platform 3 is now operational.
Thanks.

Foot bridge is still closed. 

We are attempting to find why it is still closed.

Cheers
Bob

[ozbob]

The following response has been received from the Minister for Transport's office via the Member for Mt Ommaney Mrs Attwood.

Thank you for the information, which is published with permission.

"Oxley Station Footbridge

Construction of the Oxley Station footbridge has been affected by significant rain events in late 2008 and early 2009.

Additional delays arose in the procurement of project materials and when new safety rules were introduced by QR when working close to high voltage wires.

This meant lighting and CCTV testing on the footbridge needed to be undertaken under rail isolations.

Bridge opening

The Oxley Station footbridge is nearing completion. Finishing works are currently underway with the painting of handrails and surface finishes.

QR will undertake a final inspection in the next few days, prior to the footbridge opening later this week.  (Shrouds to minimise lighting spillage will be fitted to lights on the footbridge in about two weeks).

Go Card Readers

Two operational go card readers were in place at the station on Tuesday evening.

More information is available from the Tranlink website  www.translink.com.au "

[Mozz]

Thanks to Julie our local member for being able to provide an update on the issue and provide an anticipated opening timeframe. It would not have reached the stage of involving our elected politicians had certain people actually been doing the jobs for which they get paid for.

[ozbob]

The foot bridge opened at 4pm today (8th May).

See here for some photographs.

Thanks!

[Mozz]

Today marks another milestone in terms of the Oxley Rail Footbridge. After saving some money buying cheap screws, then installing the 100 or so stair treads only to find the screws rusted out.... today marks the 2 month long process of removing all the rusted screws and reinstallation of good quality, rust resistant screws ....

Might have saved $10 buying around 500 cheap screws but it may have cost a $1-2k to remove and replace them