New battle at $19m overpass

Above: Cups, cans and bags collected at the overpass in November.

Concerns over litter and graffiti at a controversial overpass in Clontarf have been “promptly addressed”, according to Transport and Main Roads.

It follows residents’ claims community pride forced to act on a “problem no-one is prepared to address” at the Elizabeth Avenue overpass.

Sue Bulow, a local resident and member of Pristine Peninsula, says litter has been accumulating at the site and the “community is sick of the eyesore”.

She collected hundreds of cups, cartons, cans and bags from the area in November and has pictures from the last six months of rubbish inside and under the bridge.

A TMR spokesperson said it has “established agreements” to keep infrastructure in “optimal condition” to “support public needs and enable mobility and connectivity”.

“TMR proactively works with our partners and communities, and we have promptly addressed recent litter and graffiti concerns from the community for the area within and surrounding the Elizabeth Ave overpass in Clontarf.

“To date, TMR has not received any additional requests concerning litter in this area and is committed to engaging with the community and responding to any future requests.

“All community members are welcome to contact us with any concerns or feedback.”

The $19 million overpass links Clontarf Beach State High School with its “western campus” playing fields on the opposite side of Elizabeth Ave.

Protests and petitions started when bridge plans were discovered with many residents claiming it was not needed. But construction started in 2022 and it opened last year.

“The sad thing is this overpass is only being used by a handful of students,” Sue Bulow said.

“Certainly not the two-three classes of students, two-three times per week that was used as justification for the spend.

“As a nearby resident I can confirm the most common usage is for residents walking their dogs and the stairs for fitness activities.”