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Yarra Boulevard - Kew

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One of Melbourne's favourite road training routes.

February 2007 - Resurfacing works to continue on Mon 19th February

Recently some sections of the boulevard have been resurfaced. Unfortunately riders were not informed of the process or that the surface is not cleaned of debris for a number of days after the initial resurfacing. This has led to some frustration and concerns from riders.

VicRoads have let us know that the resurfacing is a part of a routine maintenance program and that while the road will not be improved to a smooth asphalt surface the resurfacing of the existing rough 'spray seal' has used a finer gravel that will result in a slightly smoother road surface. The process also aims to smooth out the larger bumps in the old surface.

Bicycle Victoria has initiated discussions with VicRoads and other State Government agencies to upgrade the surface of the boulevard in the future as well as seeking regular road closures for cycling events. Click email me updates above to stay informed.

The VicRoads Public Notice about the upcoming works follows:

Resurfacing Works – Yarra Boulevard

VicRoads wishes to advise cyclists using the Yarra Boulevard of upcoming resurfacing works programmed for the week commencing on Monday 19^th February. The purpose of these works is to waterproof the pavement and improve the surface for all road users for years to come.

The works include regulation (smoothing) of existing uneven areas and covering the existing 14mm spray seal with a 10mm spray seal. After the initial settling in period, the smaller stone size is expected provide a smoother surface for cyclists when compared to the existing surface which used larger stones.

Spray seal works require stones to be placed on a layer of hot bitumen, followed by a roller passing over the surface to assist the stones to stick in place. As is normal with spray seals, a number of stones do not adhere to the surface and are swept off in the days following.

Whilst this treatment is aimed at providing a much improved surface for cyclists, there is a short term issue with loose stones. The initial sweeping picks up most of the stones, however additional stones will become loose. As this site has a high level of cyclist usage, VicRoads has arranged for additional signage and sweeping.

VicRoads apologises for the inconvenience that these works may cause and ask that users of this route be patient during this time of necessary maintenance works.