Bicycle Network: Metro Routes

Priority Route needs upgrade

August 2012 Flemington Rd has been identified as a Priority Rote as part of the Principle Bicycle Network review. With more riders using this route a cost effective upgrade could see this route get green surface treatment and Vibraline as per recent highly successful upgrades done along Rathdowne, Gisborne/Macarthur and Collins Streets.

The introduction of green/Vibraline, better intersection treatments will greatly improve this already busy rout to perform a better transport function.

Haymarket $2.43m upgrade opened

23 August 2011. The completion of $2.34 million in safety upgrades will make the notorious Haymarket Roundabout much safer, Minister for Roads Terry Mulder announced today.

Officially switching on the Haymarket Roundabout traffic lights today, Mr Mulder said the new lights, pedestrian crossings and bicycle lanes aim to drastically reduce the number of crashes on the roundabout.

“The Haymarket Roundabout is the gateway into the CBD from Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs and over the years has been known as the ‘roundabout of death’,” Mr Mulder said.

“It’s a confusing and very complex intersection which has resulted in a high number of crashes over the years.”

Mr Mulder said the roundabout had eight vehicle exit and entry points and trams entering from three points.

“The $2.34 million worth of works will regulate traffic flow and address the causes of crashes.”

Located at the junction of Flemington Road, Royal Parade, Elizabeth Street and Peel Street in North Melbourne, the upgrades will provide a controlled environment for vehicles, trams, bicycles and pedestrians passing through the roundabout.

Mr Mulder said VicRoads installed traffic lights and pedestrian crossings at all four roundabout entrances and dedicated bicycle lanes with green pavement to provide further amenities for Melbourne’s growing cycling community.

Later this year VicRoads and Yarra Trams will complete tram stop upgrades at the roundabout on Elizabeth Street, which will include two platform tram stops and pedestrian crossings.

The works included:

• Installing traffic lights at the roundabout
• Installing pedestrian crossings at all four intersections
• Asphalt resurfacing works including the addition of new traffic lanes and bicycle lanes
• Installing new line markings including green bicycle lane markings
• Modifying the Peel Street approach between Bedford Street and Flemington Road outbound to provide safer access onto and through the roundabout
• Installing new signs on all approaches to and within the roundabout
• Changing some parking restrictions

Haymarket roundabout re-jig

19 May 2011. One of Melbourne's most notoriously difficult intersections will soon be tolerable for bike riders.

The Haymaket roundabout—a huge, confused noodle soup of trams, cars, bikes and pedestrians—is getting a multi-million dollar makeover, with work starting next weekend.

The intersection where traffic from Flemington Road fights the flow from Royal Parade, Elizabeth Street and Peel Street, has long been hazardous to bike riders.

The latest VicRoads design takes out car parking and puts in rider-activated traffic signals and new bike and traffic lanes which will enable riders to navigate through the maze without being bullied aside by other road users.

There are also new pedestrian crossings and tram stop, and Peel Street will be more hospitable to ride.

Traffic delays are expected during construction, which will begin on 27 May. Most work will be complete by early July, with tram stop construction finished in September.

Most of the work will be at nights and weekends.

Pedestrians and cyclists will have full access to all entry/exit points during construction at all times. Cyclists will be expected to reduce their speed and increase their awareness of pedestrians.

More details here.

Priority Route needs upgrade

March 2010 Flemington Rd has been identified as a Priority Rote as part of the Principle Bicycle Network review. With more riders using this route a cost effective upgrade could see this route get green surface treatment and Vibraline as per recent highly successful upgrades done along Rathdowne, Gisborne/Macarthur and Collins Streets.

The introduction of green/Vibraline, better intersection treatments will greatly improve this already busy rout to perform a better transport function.

City of Melbourne take the next step in North/West Melbourne

 Sep 07 Council have just voted to forge ahead with making the inner northwest of the City of Melbourne more pedestrian and cycling friendly. Through their recent 'Wheels and Heels' project a number of issues were identified and through consultation a range of improvements were identified.

One of the key element of this strategy is a separated 'copenhagen' treatment along Flemington Rd, west of Elizabeth St. This is a great result for riders and will help to enhance a part of the network which has needed upgrading.

Council have resolved to work with VicRoads to improve this route. Bicycle Network Victoria strongly supports this intiative and will advocate with both parties to further this initiative.

Also included in council plans are:

• a separated 'copenhagen' treatment along Queensberry St
  
• stronger delineation of bike lanes along Arden St, using premium bike lanes and green paint treatments
• stronger delineation of bike lanes along Victoria St (east of Elizabeth St), using premium bike lanes and green paint treatments
• trialling of new roundabout treatments at Arden/Chetwynd Sts and the Haymarket Roundabout