Yesterday Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that the State Government will go ahead with the previously suggested plan for an elevated cycling freeway above Footscray Road.
Intended for “serious commuters”, the path will begin around Shepherd Bridge in Footscray and will include stairs and hatches for those who need to exit when necessary.
Although Footscray already has a bike path, the new 2.5-kilometre “veloway” will bypass a series of hairy intersections and traffic lights, making the roads safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike.
However, the Footscray bike will not be removed, in fact it is to be widened so that those on a shorter or more relaxed cycling journey still have that option – and with the lessened bicycle traffic and 24/7 truck ban set to be instated on Francis Street, Somerville Road, Buckley Street and Moore Street, we’re betting we’ll see a lot more new cyclists willing to give that route a go.
But this is just the beginning. As a part of the $5.5 billion dollar road spending the government has also committed to building nearly 14 kilometres of upgraded cycling routes and footpath, including the missing links along the Federation Trail and the Kororoit Creek Trail.
Bridges over Whitehall Street next to Yarraville Gardens and Footscray Road near Costco in Docklands will also be put in place.
Via The Age. Find out more about the West Gate Tunnel Project here.