The River Torrens Footbridge in Adelaide

Picture care of AdelaideNow

Only in little old Adelaide could a pissy footbridge across the River Torrens create so much attention. It really is no wonder the lovely people in the east of Australia think we're a backwater. The Adelaide City Council spent months arguing where to put a toilet in Victoria Square, and now it appears the same is going to happen with this footbridge. Should it be 8 metres wide?, 10 metres, 12 metres!! Geez, just decide on the bloody thing and start building. And $40 million to build it .. what is going on .. is it going to be gold plated? For gods sake, it's a footbridge. How can something like this cost $40 million? I suppose by the time the various consultants have been paid, the arguing back and forth, the wastage of money that goes on with these sorts of things, it's no wonder.

I mean, come on people, we let pissy little stupid things like this take centre page, when we should just be looking at the big picture.

I personally think the bridge going to the railway station and Festival Centre precinct is the best option - as has been planned.  But, we need to back up the area with other things to do after the crowds leave the football (and other events). We need cafe's, restaurants and entertainment for people then to go onto - although, somehow, I don't see a bunch of 4 blokes and 3 women yelling their heads off at the footy, and then heading off for a nice meal at a restaurant later.

Let's just quit the bitching and get the bloody thing built!

Have you also noted the artists impression in the picture above shows no lighting on the bridge .. in fairness, it could be hidden in the hand-rails - but if there's no lighting, or even if it is in the handrails, wouldn't it make it very dark on the bridge at night?

Can someone put this straight, or was the artist ordered to leave the light poles out so the bridge looked more attractive?

I wouldn't put it past them forgetting all about lighting and only later down the track, realise the mistake and 'bolt it on' at the last minute.

Do I sound cynical about SA being able to get this right the first time?

Get Real