Preston Footbridge open for (foot) traffic

Pedestrians have welcomed the opening of the $2.7 million Preston Footbridge, after months without a safe crossing.

The suspension-style bridge has been a six-month project for Main Roads to provide a safe route for people walking to the Bunbury Forum.

Glen Iris resident Elizabeth Galloway voiced her concerns about the lack of a safe crossing since the Eelup upgrade last year.

As an active 73-year-old, Mrs Galloway spends 90 minutes each day walking on a treadmill and is grateful for the upgrade.

“It was pretty difficult if you wanted to walk somewhere and wanted to get to the shops,” she said.

“The new bridge and footpath are great because it makes me feel safer and helps to direct walkers away from the busy roundabout to cross the intersection and get to the shops.”

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli welcomed the opening and agreed the bridge provided an important pedestrian link from east of Eelup to Bunbury.

The 54m-long bridge was necessary after initial work on stage one of Eelup roundabout removed the original pedestrian access to make way for the slip lane onto Robertson Drive.

The opening of the new footbridge finalises stage one of the upgrade.