Bicycle Network: Metro Routes

Sneak over the new Manningham Bridge

28 July 2009. Although not fully completed, and still to be officially opened, the boldly designed Manningham Street on the Capital City Trail in Parkville is accepting traffic.

The City Of Melbourne has removed barriers and is allowing riders over the structure, which is running six months late.

The most recent delay has been due to a materials shortage, leaving the bridge without its side panels. A temporary arrangement is in place until the proper panels are installed.

This is an important step as the detour riders have been forced to use during bridge construction has been farcically indirect and slow. Riders will no longer have to risk the on-road crossings on this relaxed connection from Royal Park.

This bridge ticks all the boxes

The new Manningham Street bridge is taking shape. It is going to be a talking point on the trail.

Unfortunately there have been delays although the works are progressing well. The City of Melbourne advise that the expected completion date is late June 2009.

The Bridge Project has begun

14 August 2008 - Manningham St Bridge, Parkville, Detour commences
The construction of the Manningham St Bridge, Parkville is about to proceed.
An information sign has been displayed on site for some months and cyclists will be aware that the highly desirable benefits come with some cost. With the gain comes some pain - the detour route requires path users to cross Flemington Rd using the traffic lights. The existing Manningham St ramp and Flemington Rd overpass will be closed for the 9 month project. The detour will commence from Monday 18th August.

Capital City Trail commuters and recreational riders - please be patient; this $2m project will deliver you a valuable traffic free crossing.

The detour will be well signed by Melbourne City and will use local footpaths along Mt Alexander Rd, then cross Boundary Rd and  Flemington Rd at the existing traffic lights, then using the footpath along Church St will rejoin the Capital City Trail just north of the railway bridge. Melbourne City and BV will be reviewing the performance of the detour and welcome any suggestions for improvement.

May 08 After many years of delays, the Manningham Bridge, Parkville on the Capital City Trail has finally been given the go ahead by everyone including Melbourne City Council, Connex and VicTrack.

A new bridge will join the existing rail bridge (picture far right) over Flemington Rd and continue adjacent to the railway line, connecting to the existing trail on the north-east side of Manningham St. The existing ramp down to Manningham St (pictured right) will be reconstructed for a better alignment and grade.

The $2m project is expected to take nine months and be ready to ride in March 2009.

This is great news for commuting riders coming and going between the inner north-west and the education precinct in Melbourne's inner north and the many recreational riders using the Capital City Trail on weekends.

Bicycle Network Victoria is working with Council for a recommended alternative route in the interim during construction. To keep informed click on 'Email me updates' (above right).

Our interest will then move to eliminating the hairpin bends near the railway station across the border in Moonee Valley.

Manningham St Bridge in the News       

Jul 07 The July 18 edition of the Moreland Leader had an article on the Manningham St Bridge. Click here (PDF 666KB) to read it.

City of Melbourne Commit Funding

May 06 The initial design work, planning and consultation for this bridge has been funded by a Melbourne City Council commitment in the 06-07 budget of $500 000.

This money was collected by the State CBD Parking Levy, of which $5m is passed to Melbourne City each year. Melbourne has committed to spending the $5m raised by the levy on projects that will enhance transport alternatives.

Large as it is, the commitment is not enough to build the bridge. We expect that the Council will hold over the balance of the $500 000 and, anticipating a further contribution from next year's budget, build the bridge in the 07-08 year.

We encourage members and supporters to thank Melbourne City Council for the allocation and express our support for the project. (It is always a good idea in thank you letters to explain how you use or plan to use the trail and how the bridge will enhance your ride.)

lordmayor@melbourne.vic.gov.au

If there is opposition to the bridge through the planning or consultation process and it becomes necessary for riders to express public support for the project, we will let you know.

We will put updates on this page. If you tick the 'Email me updates' box above, you will be sent updates.