West: Westgate Link
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This is a critical missing link for riders on the Bay Trail in Williamstown wanting to get into the CBD via the Maribyrnong River Trail or the Footscray Road Trail
Construction begins
05 Jun 08 The Port Corporation has wasted no time in commencing the path construction. As part of a joint agreement with other stakeholders the Port Corporation of Melbourne agreed to use a 5 metre portion of land along their Whitehall St boundary. They have been busy over recent times demolishing existing structures on the site due for future redevelopments relating to expansion of the Port.
The path as shown looks to be of a high quality with sawcut joins, 3m wide and with good lines of sight. We expect detailed design of the remainder of the path led by VicRoads and Maribyrnong Council to commence in the near future.
And one more thing...
21 May 08 Bicycle Victoria has learnt that the recent $28.8M 'Keeping Melbourne Moving' funding announcement as reported (below) not only includes the WestGate Link from the Stony Creek Backwash up to the Shepherd Bridge (on Footscray Rd) but will also include widening the path over the bridge itself.
The photo shows riders inbound in the early morning. There is not much room for someone coming the other way.
This is great news for riders coming crossing the bridge to and from the west. The 2008 Super Tuesday counts showed 582 riders used the bridge in the 7-9am peak and is a major deterrent to current and new riders who would like to ride to work or explore the area on the weekend. A detailed design will be commissioned shortly and we will report back to you as we hear more.
Funding announced for the Westgate Link
10 May 08 In response to Premier Brumby's January congestion roundtable, the State Government has announced $28.8M (out of a total $112.6M) of new funding over four years as a short term response to strengthen the Bike Network and help ease congestion within 10km of the Melbourne CBD. The 'Westgate Link'; was named as one of the projects in this announcement. We are still waiting on the decision about the preferred route.
Consultants recommendations
Jan 08 The consultants have recommended Hyde St, Somerville Rd and Whitehall St in Yarraville as the preferred route. The Port of Melbourne Authority may be able to help by allowing a long section to be built on their land and will allow riders to cycle on a path away from the busy truck traffic. Maribyrnong Council, VicRoads, Parks Victoria and Bicycle Victoria are in the final stages of choosing the best route and designing and costing the path. If all goes well, we’ll be riding a new path by Christmas 2008.
Options now being considered.
Aug 07 Consultants have provided a shortlist of options to VicRoads, Maribyrnong Council, Parks Victoria and the Port of Melbourne Authority. It looks like some land owned by Port of Melbourne could be utilsed to enable a high quality off road link between the Bay Tail in Williamstown and the Footscray Road Trail.
Details are currently being discussed by the relevent parties; if this option can be decided on soon we could see construction starting in 2008. Click on email me updates above to stay up to date.
Study to Identify Solution
Dec 06 Maribyrnong Council and the Port of Melbourne Corporation have recently agreed on the scope and funding for a study to identify the best solution for this difficult missing link (see below for details).
This is a big step forward and should lead to a solution being identified and costed early in the new year. Stay in touch with the project and the consultation process by clicking on 'email me updates' above.
Sep 06 There is currently a critical missing link for riders on the Bay Trail in Williamstown wanting to get to the Maribyrnong River Trail or the Footscray Road Trail into the CBD.
While there are some on-road bike lanes for more experienced riders, there is no continuous off-road trail. Unfortunately, there is no simple solution to this missing link.
Firstly, it is difficult to find a suitable alignment for a trail. There are many issues here including the fact that the riverfront is an operating port, the major roads in the area carry large freight vehicles, and there is little excess space adjacent to the roads for off road trails.
Secondly, the different types of riders (recreational and commuter) that will use this route need different types of facilities. For example, while it may be appropriate to improve existing bike lanes and enhance bicycle priority at intersections for commuter riders these facilities will not suit the potentially large number of recreational riders. Conversely, an indirect off road path that may be appropriate for recreational riders will not be used by many commuter riders.
Thirdly, there are a large number of stakeholders each with their own needs and priorities. These include Maribyrnong and Hobson's Bay Councils, VicRoads, Parks Victoria, Port of Melbourne Authority, and Sports and Recreation Victoria.
While the project is complex we are pleased that most of the stakeholders are committed to closing this missing link for all riders and, while progress is slow, the project is moving forward. We are hopeful that a solution will be agreed upon within the next six months (early 2007).
The trial of a commuter punt was conducted in late 2005 and early 2006. While the trial did not attract enough riders to continue, it did highlight the need for the the closing of the missing link between the Stoney Creek backwash and Footscray Road. For more on the Commuter Punt Trial click here.
