Short Street Bridge Safety Concerns Continue
REALLY? Is this safe? Does it pass the Pub Test?
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Mitchell Shire Council and the Broadford Residents Action Group (BRAG) have spent more than two years urging Inland Rail to improve pedestrian safety on the Short Street Bridge by installing a physical barrier between pedestrians and traffic.
Both groups argue that the current design leaves pedestrians exposed, particularly on the north-eastern footpath. Inland Rail has rejected calls for a fence, stating it would obstruct motorists’ sightlines at nearby intersections and maintains that the bridge design has undergone extensive review, meets all required standards, and has been approved by the Department of Transport and Planning.
While Inland Rail points to the bridge’s non-mountable kerb as a safety measure, BRAG and local residents believe it provides insufficient protection from larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks. Concerns are heightened by the bridge’s history, with the previous structure requiring a safety fence after a number of accidents and near misses. Residents question why the new bridge offers less protection than the one it replaced.
BRAG is also concerned that responsibility for funding any future safety barrier could fall to Mitchell Shire ratepayers. The group argues that Inland Rail should install appropriate pedestrian barriers as part of the project. It is calling on residents to support a community petition, saying pedestrian safety, particularly for children, older residents, parents with prams, and people using mobility aids, should remain the priority.
19/08/2026
Act Before Tragedy Strikes:
Community Demands Safety Barriers on Short Street Bridge
The Broadford Residents Action Group (BRAG), together with Mitchell Shire Council, has been advocating for safety barriers on the northern side of the Short Street Bridge (pictured below) for many years.
As far back as the early 2000s, this bridge crossing was identified as a safety risk. Following community concerns and campaigning by local councillors, safety barriers were installed on parts of the bridge. However, the northern side remains unprotected, despite ongoing concerns for pedestrian safety.
We need your help. It will be too late to act if someone is injured while crossing this bridge. The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and Inland Rail have indicated they do not believe additional barriers are necessary, suggesting the southern side of the bridge provides a safer pedestrian route. They also contend that installing barriers on the northern side could affect sightlines.
In response to these concerns, local resident and community advocate Suzanne has launched a petition calling for safety barriers to be installed on the northern side of the Short Street Bridge.
Please support this important community safety initiative by signing the petition using the details below. You can also contact the DTP and Inland Rail directly to express your concerns, or leave a message with us and we will ensure your feedback is passed on.
Every signature helps demonstrate the community's commitment to improving safety before a serious incident occurs. 30/06/2026
Residents Push for Traffic Lights as Bridge Works Progress
Residents Push for Traffic Lights as Bridge Works Progress
As Broadford bridge works continue, BRAG is increasing efforts to secure long‑awaited traffic lights at the High Street/Hamilton Street intersection. After meetings with Mitchell Shire Council in December, BRAG formally requested full signalisation due to ongoing safety concerns.
Council confirmed it has been strongly advocating for upgrades and agrees the current Inland Rail design will not resolve major safety issues. It will continue pushing for signals and encourages residents to raise concerns directly with the Department of Transport and Planning.
The Mitchell Shire 10‑Year Budget includes a provisional $594,000 in 2026/27 for design and $5.344 million in 2027/28 for construction, pending Victorian Government funding.
BRAG has also asked that the permanent left‑turn lane near the car wash be retained. As the intersection sits on a state‑managed arterial road, any changes require DTP approval. Council has agreed to raise BRAG’s concerns.
BRAG continues to seek direct engagement with DTP on broader traffic management issues and improvements to town entrances.
18/02/2026
BRAG NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING
📣 Calling All Broadford Locals & Businesses! 📰
The Broadford Residents Action Group (BRAG Inc) is excited to launch a bi-monthly community newsletter—delivered straight to households across Broadford, shared on our website, and posted right here on Facebook!
💡 Want to get your message out there? Promote your business, event, or service with an ad in our newsletter!
🖤 Ad Rates (Per Issue):
• 1/8 Page – B&W: $15 | Colour: $30
• 1/4 Page – B&W: $30 | Colour: $60
• 1/2 Page – B&W: $60 | Colour: $120
• Full Page – B&W: $150 | Colour: $300
• Full Back Page – B&W: $250 | Colour: $350
📅 Issue Releases: second week of April, June, August, October December 2026
🕔 Copy Deadline: 2 weeks prior to release
📧 To book your spot, email us at broadfordresidentsactiongroup@gmail.com with:
• Your name
• Ad size and colour preference
• Your content (text, logo, photo)
• Your Facebook Page link (or website link)
Let’s work together to strengthen our community and share what matters most to Broadford! 💙
Why Traffic Lights and not a Roundabout at Hamilton & High Streets?
Why Traffic Lights and not a Roundabout at Hamilton & High Streets?
🚦 TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR ROUNDABOUT? LET’S TALK SAFETY! 🚦
Originally, BRAG and Mitchell Shire pushed for a roundabout at the High & Hamilton intersection. But after thorough assessments by Mitchell Shire and the Department of Transport & Planning, it was clear a roundabout just wouldn’t work here — not with the space needed for pedestrians, service lanes, and large vehicles like B-double trucks.
✅ So, the safest and most practical solution? Traffic lights.
We’ve already had an amazing response from the community — thank you! But we still need your voice to make a real impact. There have been too many near misses at this intersection. It’s time to act to protect our families, friends, and neighbours.
Every signature brings us closer to safer streets for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Mitchell Shire Council is backing us — now we need to show our State and Federal Governments that Broadford stands united for safety!
📣 Tag your friends, share this post, and help spread the word!
#BRAGCommunity #RoadSafety #HighAndHamilton #SignForSafety
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