Walk-up start: Cheeseman calls for better pedestrian access at Waurn Ponds Station

SOUTH Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman is calling for the new platform at Waurn Ponds Station to be accessible by pedestrians from both sides of the railway track.

Major works are finished at the station, and only smaller works remain over the next few months before services can make use of the new duplicated line.

The upgrade includes a bridge from the original platform over both railway lines to the new southern platform, but pedestrians coming from the south can only reach this platform from the north, by following Baanip Boulevard to the railway crossing at Ghazeepore Road.

Mr Cheeseman launched a petition this week to gather support for creating pedestrian access to the station from the south.

“The Waurn Ponds Station Upgrade is an exciting project constructing a second platform, pedestrian overpass, hundreds of new car parks, better security, and a new station entrance,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“The upgrade means that commuters will enjoy a greater frequency and reliability of services

“Despite this major investment at the station, many community members have raised with me concerns that the upgraded station is inaccessible to pedestrians and cyclists from the southern side.

“Pedestrians wishing to access the station who live in Mount Duneed currently need to travel around Baanip Boulevard and face a substantial journey.”

Muir Road, which runs close to the train line on the south side of the track, has been closed throughout the construction process, and lacks a proper pedestrian path.

“I have always shared these concerns and that is why I am advocating to the state government to connect the Baanip Boulevard pedestrian footpath to the southern side of the newly upgraded Waurn Ponds Station,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“If you support pedestrian access to Waurn Ponds Station from both sides of the track, please sign this petition.”

The petition is the second Mr Cheeseman has launched recently calling on his own government to support an infrastructure project in Armstrong Creek, following his petition in November for the funding of the $18.48 Armstrong Creek Library and Community Hub.

Commissioning of the Waurn Ponds Station will include relocating a live signalling box from the rail corridor to allow the final 50-metre section of rail to be installed and completing track duplication at the station.

Major earthworks have also continued at the site for the new train stabling and maintenance facility to the west of Waurn Ponds, which will allow track installation works to take place in 2023.

Crews have since installed drainage and started work on the new track to link the main line to the stabling facility.

To read the petition or sign it, head to Mr Cheeseman’s website.