Toodyay's Duke Street footbridge will be reopened later this year after a $145,000 upgrade funded by the State Government.
The bridge, which spans the freight railway line near Toodyay Station, was closed in May 2018 due to safety concerns.
While the footbridge was not the only way to cross the tracks, the Shire of Toodyay expressed concerns to the Public Transport Authority (PTA) about the bridge closure limiting access for local pedestrians.
The Public Transport Authority has been working closely with the Shire to form an agreement - the PTA will repair the bridge to a sufficient standard, and then hand control of it to local government.
This Memorandum of Understanding has now been signed and works can now go ahead.
Depending on the weather and subject to required rail safety approvals by freight rail operator Arc Infrastructure, work should begin in September.
The works will repair critical parts of the bridge, including replacing parts of the pier columns, repairing mesh inserts on the handrails and broken railings and replacing degraded parts of the bridge decking.
The PTA has also made repairs to the existing at-grade crossing at the station and plan to install a new crossing further to the west, which will be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act and have improved sightlines.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"I know how important this bridge is to the people of Toodyay with many community members looking forward to it reopening.
"Ensuring there is a safe option for passengers and community members alike - particularly those with disability - to cross the tracks is an important initiative.
"Investing in safe and sustainable transport options for regional areas is a key focus of the McGowan Government."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:
"I have been lobbying for this outcome since the election of the McGowan Labor Government in 2017.
"I am delighted that the Shire of Toodyay, Arc Infrastructure and the WA Government have come to an agreement, ensuring the future of this community asset.
"I thank the Minister for this investment in the Toodyay community and for her ongoing support of the AvonLink train service."
