Box Hill cycling bridge at risk

The proposed pedestrian / cycle bridge across the rail line in Box Hill, which would link Nelson Road with Thurston Street Box Hill, is at risk from development plans by Vicinity Centres Pty Ltd for three major building proposals in Box Hill Central. MeBUG has objected to this project as below.

“Metro East Bicycle User Group Inc (MeBUG) objects to the above applications on the grounds that they will render impossible, the construction of a pedestrian/cycle bridge across the rail line identified as a key walking and cycling thoroughfare in the Box Hill Integrated Transport Strategy 2020. 

This bridge would link Nelson Road via the laneway adjoining the West boundary of the subject site, with Hopetoun Parade and Thurston Street and forms part of cycling route NS2. It will be a key linkage to the Ringwood – Box Hill path and the planned Box Hill – Hawthorn path.

The level difference between the Nelson  Road Lane and Hopetoun Parade will require access ramps at the Northern end. The construction of these ramps will not be possible if the buildings as planned are built.

The applicant should be required to modify their plans to accommodate such ramps, so that the bridge can eventually be built.”