Council has noted a range of planned actions aimed at improving traffic flow and safety along the Malop Street Green Spine.
Councillors requested a report into traffic flow and safety in February this year, after a notice of motion from Councillor Eddy Kontelj.
The report has found the Green Spine has had the intended effect of increasing foot traffic and reducing through vehicle traffic, since its completion in July 2018. Car numbers have dropped 56 per cent and pedestrian numbers have jumped by 11 per cent during the midday peak.
With the exception of east-bound traffic during the evening peak, all other legs of the Moorabool/Malop Street intersection have seen minor increases or decreases in travel times. Investigations have found any delays that were experienced by drivers were for only short periods at a time.
Some of the measures in the Malop Street Green Spine Investigation report include:
- Continuing to work with Regional Roads Victoria to improve traffic light phasing;
- Developing a public education campaign to reduce the number of cars blocking intersections; and
- Making changes to directional signage entering Central Geelong, particularly Malop Street.
The City will evaluate the changes in traffic conditions and driver behaviour after these improvements have been put in place, with a report to go to council in March 2020.
Council has requested a report from the CEO by November 2019, which includes an outline of the potential impacts of the Green Spine's design and the costs and timelines to install turning lanes at the intersections of Malop Street/Yarra Street and Malop Street/Moorabool Street.
The report has concluded that the new bike lanes haven't impacted traffic flow, rather the removal of turning lanes and available options for signal phasing have changed traffic flows and driver behaviour.
The Green Spine project aims to encourage people to spend longer along Malop Street and to make the city more liveable.
Last week, the Malop Street Green Spine was awarded a Landscape Architecture Award at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects' 2019 Victorian Awards.
The judges described the area as a vibrant, luscious and inviting space, that is also safe and well-lit.
Acting Mayor - Councillor Peter Murrihy
We're committed to making traffic flow and safety changes to the award-winning Green Spine area, to further improve what has become a destination space in Central Geelong.The project has successfully reduced the through traffic along the street, making it a safer place for pedestrians and cyclists alike, whilst also offering an inviting area to rest and connect with nature.
Councillor Eddy Kontelj - Brownbill ward
We have asked for this further report so that we as a council can collectively make an informed decision about what we would like to see occur on the Green Spine going forward.While the increase in greenery and other improvements have been very effective in helping the area become more appealing as a place to visit, I am still receiving feedback from retailers and the community that connectivity, safety and traffic need to be looked at.
I believe it's our responsibility to examine all options and make sure the Green Spine is performing the best it possibly can in all aspects.
