The Allan Labor Government's West Gate Tunnel Project is helping to reduce road trauma and protect vulnerable road users, with a new dedicated walking and cycling bridge now open along busy Dynon Road.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams today announced the new off-road pedestrian and bike path is now open, providing a safer and more accessible way to travel between the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail, across the rail yards, into the growing North Melbourne Station precinct and onto the city.
Too many Victorians have lost their lives or been seriously injured while walking or riding on our roads. That's why the Labor Government is investing in safer connections for cyclists and pedestrians - improving accessibility, reducing risk and saving lives.
Spanning 440 metres across the rail yards near North Melbourne Station, the new bridge separates bike riders and pedestrians from vehicles, providing a protected path for the thousands of people who walk and ride along the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and Dynon Road every week.
At three metres wide, the bridge accommodates a wide range of active transport - including walkers, runners, bike riders as well as mobility scooters, wheelchairs and prams - helping everyone travel more safely and comfortably.
The new path gives bike riders from the west two safe and direct routes into the city - one via the Footscray Road path, offering direct access to Docklands and central Melbourne's broader cycling network, and another via Dynon Road, providing a convenient link to North Melbourne, Carlton, and nearby suburbs.
The bridge also provides a safer and more convenient alternative to crossing busy arterial roads, giving people a protected route between North Melbourne and the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail - and will connect with the recently opened green bridge across Footscray Road and Waterfront Way and the future veloway.
An elevated section of the shared user path features vibrant multi-coloured panels - matching a similar colour scheme on new barriers installed on the West Gate Freeway and the cladding on the Maribyrnong River Bridge.
The West Gate Tunnel Project's delivery of more than 14 kilometres of new and upgraded paths will make it safer and easier for people to ride and walk around their local area. The project will transform travel in Melbourne's west - providing a much-needed second river crossing, cutting congestion and taking 9,000 trucks a day off local roads.
To learn more about the connection and to see future travel options, visit westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/drive.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams
"We're delivering more than 14 kilometres of new and upgraded bike and walking paths - helping more people in Melbourne's west to ride, walk and move safely."
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"Too many vulnerable road users have been seriously injured or killed on our roads, and we're determined to change that. Through projects like this, we're creating safer, separated connections for cyclists and pedestrians - protecting lives and reducing trauma across our network."
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
"This is about making it safer and easier for people in Melbourne's west to get to work, school or home - no matter how they travel."
