Bridge barrier due ‘‘mid-year’’

By David Schout

A permanent safety fence along La Trobe Street bridge will finally be installed in mid-2021.

Following three years of temporary barriers along both the east and westbound footpaths, a permanent fence was being manufactured and due for installation in coming months.

The interim barriers were installed in April 2018 in what was understood to be an effort to prevent attempts of self-harm and to maintain a safe environment for employees working in the rail corridor below.

“We’re delivering a permanent fence along the La Trobe Street bridge to improve safety

along the train network,” a Department of Transport spokesperson said.

“We have completed the planning and design phases and the fence is currently being manufactured, with installation to begin mid- year. We’ll keep local residents and businesses updated of the work’s scope and timing before it begins.”

The works along the overpass — which opened in 2000 to connect La Trobe St through to Docklands — is part of the state government’s stimulus investment in public transport and road maintenance upgrades.

It also follows recent cycling upgrades on the bridge by the City of Melbourne.

In December, kerbside bike lanes were installed along the street’s western end •