By MICK ROBERTS.

THE dangerous, narrow footpath over the Park Road railway bridge at Bulli will be made safer after complaints to Wollongong City Council from residents.

Park Road resident Robert Miller has written to the Council and State MP for Heathcote Lee Evans revealing “an appalling situation in the vicinity of Bulli railway station”.

Despite a multi-million dollar upgrade of disabled access to Bulli Railway Station, Mr Miller says there has been a significant oversight in the planning and implementation of the project.

Disabled access to the station from the eastern side of Park Road is a serious safety risk, he said.

The pathway leading onto the northern side of the Park Road railway bridge from Veigals Lane is blocked by a large power pole, making disabled access almost impossible. The area also lacks ramps and dangerous uneven surfaces.

Mr Miller said due to the pedestrian safety issues he has asked the Council and the State MP for Heathcote to fast track the replacement schedule works and relocate the power pole away from the pedestrian pathway. He said footpath works are also required to provide a usable grade for mobility scooters to gain access off the pathway.

Mr Miller forecasts further compromises to pedestrian safety as a result of increased traffic volumes from planned residential developments, a new Woolworths shopping centre, as well as proposed clearway restrictions on the nearby Princes Highway.

A Council spokesperson said it has reviewed the crossing over the railway bridge.

“Council is planning to widen the footpath on the northern side of Park Road at the overpass,” the spokesperson said.

“At present Council is seeking approval from Rail Corp to carry out work on the railway bridge to allow the footpath to be widened.

“Given the approvals required the project will not be constructed this year; however, it will be included on the draft program for 2013/14 such that it can be funded once all necessary approvals are received.”

Mr Miller said he was pleased to hear that the safety concerns have

been given the priority they deserve.

“The area is an accident waiting to happen,” he said.

“Parents with prams or children attending the two nearby primary schools or the high school, the elderly, and the physically impaired await the commencement of this work and its promised completion this financial year,” he said.