By Casey Neill
Dandenong residents welcomed a new bridge linking them to the suburb’s centre.
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams and Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti officially opened the Allan Street Bridge on Tuesday 23 May.
“This is an amazing story of partnerships and what can be achieved when different levels of government come together and listen to the community,” Ms Williams said.
“I don’t think we can underestimate the impact of this bridge on the liveability of Dandenong.
“This is fundamental to the way people will experience Dandenong.”
Maria Bertagno lives nearby and said the bridge would make a very big difference to her life.
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for residents to walk towards Cheltenham Road rather than having to walk around to Hammond Road,” she said.
“I’ve already used it to go to the station and it’s wonderful.
“It’s also a peaceful walk, and you’ve got the natural habitat instead of the rush of the traffic, and it’s beautiful, it’s inviting and it encourages one to walk.”
The bridge includes a footpath alongside vehicle lanes.
“I always wanted the pedestrian bridge but to have the car access as well is a big bonus,” Ms Bertagno said.
“It’s not only for us adults, it’s also for children.
“It’s a complete family environment now.
“The landscape and the natural habitat is combining with the industrialism that Dandenong has always been known for.”
Tony Butterworth said the bridge would take him straight into town.
“You were just jammed in here before, you couldn’t get out,” he said.
He also said the area was formerly the holding paddocks for the Dandenong stockyards.
The Allan Street Bridge is in the Metro Village 3175 housing development.
Construction started last September.
Development Victoria delivered the project in close consultation with the City of Greater Dandenong and Melbourne Water.
The council will now own and maintain the bridge.
