Residents plan human chain to save bridge

Newmarket residents and business people say they will link arms to block the demolition this weekend of a footbridge leading to their busy railway station.

They plan to stand in the way when a private developer building apartment blocks between Broadway and the main trunk railway brings in the wreckers.

The Newmarket Protection Society says it has sought legal advice to preserve a pedestrian right-of-way.

It is being joined by the Newmarket Business Association in efforts to persuade the Auckland Regional Transport Authority and Government rail agency Ontrack to withdraw approval for L and Y Holdings to demolish the footbridge over the railway line from Broadway.

Announcing the bridge closure a week ago, the two agencies said it would allow construction to continue safely on the apartment blocks before they start redeveloping Newmarket Station and the nearby main railway junction next year for between $40 million and $75 million. That means rail passengers will have to walk an extra 400m or more to reach trains via a weather-beaten ramp off Remuera Rd, although the authorities are promising to restore access from Broadway once the redevelopment is complete in 2009.

But business association head Cameron Brewer yesterday condemned what he called a u-turn from official assurances that access over the tracks would be preserved.

No comment was available from the developer.