Bicycle Network: Metro Routes
East: Lilydale - Warburton Rail Trail - Updates
The latest developments and improvements on the trail
Nasty trail crossing fixed
17 April 2012. New traffic signals on the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail at Mount Evelyn have fixed one of the nasty road crossings that have marred the magnificent and popular trail.
The signals at York Road/Wray Crescent/Gear Avenue greatly improve safety for riders who previously had to run the gauntlet of speeding traffic.
This is the second important upgrade to the trail, with the bridge over the Maroondah Highway opening late last year.
There was a long battle to get the signals. Although funding was first allocated in 2008, an attempt to move the crossing away from the trail to an inferior location nearby resulted in long delays.
Bicycle Network and VicRoads fought off attempts to hijack the trail crossing funding for use on alternative local proposals, and a satisfactory design was eventually implemented.
The opening was attended by Cr Tim Heenan, Tony Smith Federal MP for Casey, along with Christine Fyffe State MP for Evelyn.
Attention now turns to the next problem crossing on the trail at Monbulk Road, near the Cog Cafe.
Onsite at Lilydale
1 December 2011. Bicycle Network Victoria met this morning with representatives of Mt. Lilydale Mercy College, the Department of Sustainability & Environment and the Shire of Yarra Ranges on-site at the College.
Touring the rail alignment up close was a insightful. There is no reason that running the trail along the alignment can’t be accommodated.
The school representatives again raised a number of concerns, and these will need to be addressed as part of the process using proven technical solutions. A number of issues were discussed, and will need to be worked through in more detail as we move forward on this process. The school representatives re-iterated that they are willing to move forward towards a solution.
Therefore, we have asked the school to provide a statement of their position by Christmas outlining as much as possible the concerns that are top of mind. We can then get to work solving these issues. Updates will follow in the coming weeks.
Coming, rain or not!
3 November 2011. Rain didn't dampen the turnout at the official opening of the Maroondah Highway Bridge as scores of riders and walkers set off across the new structure to explore the trail for the day.
The opening was part of 'Run, Walk & Ride' day staged by the Shire of Yarra Ranges to celebrate the Bridge and the Lilydale - Warburton Rail Trail.
Member for Evelyn Christine Fyffe and Shire of Yarra Ranges Shire Mayor Terry Avery were on hand to officially open the Bridge.
Bicycle Network Victoria wholeheartedly welcomes the Bridge officially, even though many of you have been riding it for a few months now since its unofficial completion.
Having the Bridge officially in place is a significant milestone that allows all parties to turn their attention to further improvements on the Trail, including improving road crossings such as at York Road, Mt. Eveyln and the diversion around Mt Lilydale College. An on-site tour to review how the original aligment can work for all parties has been proposed, and the College is still considering this.
Bicycle Network Victoria calls on all parties to remember that this trail is a significant public asset and everything should be done to continue improving the trail for the public. Taking the Bridge as an example, we should all work together in the the general interest, as we can see what can be accomplished when we do.
Maroondah Highway Bridge official opening
19 October 2011. The official opening of the Maroondah Highway Bridge is confirmed for this Saturday at 10:00am on the north side of the new bridge.
Member for Evelyn, Christine Fyffe and Yarra Ranges Mayor Terry Avery will host the ceremony which will officially open the bridge as part of the Shire's Run, Walk, Ride event taking place throughout the day. Click here for more information about the day's event, which will have a range of activities to check out along the Lilydale - Warburton Trail. Everyone is welcome.
The Shire, the State Government, Parks Victoria and VicRoads should all be commended for seeing this bridge project through to its completion. It is an outstanding result and will make a major contribution to the popularity and amenity of this trail for many years to come.
Trail diversion still unresolved
With the official opening of the bridge, many will submit to the temptation to proclaim the Lilydale - Warburton Rail Trail complete. This is not so. Despite the significant milestone acheived with the completion of the bridge, outstanding issues still need resolution.
There should be no doubt that the diversion of the trail around Mount Lilydale Mercy College is still unresolved. Bicycle Network Victoria has met with representatives of the school, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, and the Shire to discuss the way forward, and further discussions are planned.
The Shire is currently completing work on improving the diversion around the school grounds. Unfortunately this diversion still falls short of the recommended guidelines, which are very difficult to meet while staying roughly where the diversion currently lies. Bicycle Network Victoria maintains the position that the trail must be restored to the original alignment for the bridge and the trail to really reach full potential. Further on site meetings have been proposed to work through how the trail can be restored. The school is considering their participation. The work, therefore, continues.
Run, Walk, Ride in Lilydale to draw attention to new bridge, trail gap
6 September 2011. The Shire of Yarra Ranges have announced details of a "Run, Walk and Ride" public event to be held on 22 October. This event tentatively includes the official opening of the Maroondah Highway Bridge, which was completed in July and has been accessible to trail traffic since then.
This is a full day event and an open invite to everyone interested in a spring ride along the Lilydale - Warburton Rail Trail. More details will be available on this page as they are ready, including confirmation of an official opening event. Click here to see the event poster.
Since completion, the section north of the bridge has seen a considerable increase in traffic, as locals and visitors alike wear treads in the trail now that it is more accessible.
Unfortunately, the diversion of the trail around Mt. Lilydale Mercy College is still unresolved. A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for later in the month, which should bring more clarity to the situation. A further update to this post will follow when more is known.
For now though, astute observers have noticed signs going up and fences coming down at the trail diversion site, suggesting that the Shire of Yarra Ranges is about to pull the trigger on their planned improvements to the trail around the boundary of the College.
Bicycle Network Victoria remains unconvinced. Improving the diversion is being done in the interest of reducing risk to users and ensuring a connection along the trail to Lilydale Station. The best way to do this is to restore the trail to the original railway alignment.
Given the geographical constraints of the diversion route, it will not be possible to build a trail that meets the recommended guidelines for off-road trail and path construction, and consequently there will always be considerably more risk to users (regardless of what is done to improve this area) compared to the railway alignment option. Our position remains that it would be best for everyone to work towards a solution on the original railway alignment. We have expressed these concerns to Council. However, Council insists it must act.
Bicycle Network Victoria takes Council at its word when they say that undertaking this project will not threaten their financial ability to restore the trail to the railway alignment - an outcome the Shire supports. The Shire has been saying that they fully intend to do right by bikes, and while we disagree with them about the details of the diversion project we look forward to continuing to work together to improve the trail.
Bridge demands better access - a new campaign begins
25 July 2011. Use of the brilliant new bridge over the Maroondah Highway at Lilydale is being hindered because the rail corridor, the natural trail link to the bridge from the station, is not currently available for use by riders as it has been leased to Mt Lilydale Mercy College.
Today, riders leaving Lilydale Station and heading to the bridge must struggle along a steep and muddy embankment and squeeze through a narrow and difficult path around the school boundary.
Until now, the diversion around the school was not a big problem because with no bridge in place most riders and other trail users were bypassing the area north of the Highway.
But with riders now wanting to ride the entire trail from Lilydale station, the focus has shifted to restoring the trail along the old rail easement.
Currently, the College enjoys exclusive use of the old corridor because it leases that section of the trail from the State Government.
There have been suggestions that the perimeter track should be upgraded. This is not a good use of money, which could be spent on the permanent restoration of the old rail easement. No one will want to ride the perimeter track when the trail runs along the graded, contoured rail alignment.
A Map of the Area
The Shire of Yarra Ranges has confirmed its desire to restore the trail to its original alignment, but unless all parties can find a timely solution, the Council may feel the need to spend money to improve the perimeter track.
Over the years, Bicycle Network Victoria has contacted the school repeatedly to try and find a mutually acceptable solution. We recently wrote to the Minister, the Hon. Ryan Smith who set up a meeting for us with the Department of Sustainability & Environment, which is the State Government Department responsible for this land. DSE is pursuing a meeting between all parties and we are hopeful that a win-win solution can be found.
We are relying on section 6.28 of the prevailing lease which spells out how public access can be restored.
With the leased corridor running approximately 25 metres wide at its thinnest point and 57.5 metres at its widest, there is lots of room for the corridor to accommodate a restoration of the trail on perhaps a 10 metre easement.
Obviously the school will want to ensure that it can secure its grounds.
There are a number of other trails that run through or near school grounds in Melbourne, so there is no shortage of ideas about how this can be accomplished for the benefit of everyone - not least the students of the school who will benefit from an easier bike or walking trip to class in the morning.
Example - Main Yarra Trail at Melbourne Girls College, Richmond
These photos show the unfenced Main Yarra Trail running through Melbourne Girls College in Richmond. We are gathering other examples of trails that happily co-habit with school communities. Please contact us if you know of an example in your area, and if you can send us a photo, that would be terrific! Send us a message
Maroondah Bridge finally complete!
7 July 2011. One of Australia's most popular rail trails is now even better with the completion of the new $3.5 million bridge linking the Lilydale - Warburton Rail Trail across the Maroondah Highway.
Click here to read a copy of the Minister's media release.
Bicycle Network Victoria welcomes Minister Mulder's announcement. The long-term support of local MP Christine Fyffe must be acknowledged as her support has been vital. Please say thank you to the Minister and Christine for delivering this project. It is important to let the new government know of our appreciation when projects like this are delivered.
Bicycle Network Victoria is delighted that this important connection is now finished and available to bike riders living locally and visiting the Yarra Valley. The 90 metre long bridge will ensure that riders will no longer have to scramble their bikes across the six-lane Maroondah Highway in order to access the majority of the trail, or start their riding at Mt. Evelyn, as many have done in the past.
The Bridge was a joint project between VicRoads, Parks Victoria and the Shire of Yarra Ranges, and was much delayed by challenging construction conditions, including poor weather and the concerning theft of some building materials.
Full credit should be given to the project team for perservering and making sure that the Bridge was completed as soon as possible, given the circumstances.
York Road fires up
15 June 2011. Work has finally begun on the vital York Road signalised crossing along the Warburton-Lilydale Rail Trail at Mt Evelyn.
After recent delays because of a pointless VCAT appeal, Yarra Ranges Council has given the go ahead and contractors have moved in to start the $1.3M project.
Drainage works at the southern end are now well under way and some trees have been removed. As required by the planning permit the council will be undertaking offset tree planting to compensate for the loss of local remnant vegetation.
Barring any other unnecessary delays, the intersection redevelopment should be finished by the end of June, and Lilydale - Warburton Rail Trail users will have a much safer crossing at this very busy road in Mt. Evelyn.
Local shoppers will benefit too with better access and the community will benefit with the linking of the two sides of Mt Evelyn currently divided by York Road.
Once completed focus will then be on the next crossing of concern at Monbulk Rd near the COG café.
Struggling towards the finish
23 March 2011. The March deadline for the completion of the Lilydale Bridge has slipped with the project bedevilled by theft of materials from the site.
A new deadline for completing work and officially opening the bridge temporarily rested at some point in April, but it didn't stay there long, and best guess currently (and it really is just a guess) is May or possibly June before we see people crossing over the Maroondah Highway on the new structure rather than trying to scramble over the road.
In defence of the project team, it hasn't helped the case that vandals have made a comprehensive theft of copper cable from the structure, dealing yet another setback to the struggling project. Let's hope that the rest of the structure isn't stolen before it's finished.
Well, it's not January, but it's not far off...
9 February 2011. Those holding their breath for the completion of the Maroondah Highway Bridge will have to wait a little longer, as the continuation of inclement weather over the past month has delayed the finalisation of the project.
Work is progressing as fast as it can, and still generating lots of local interest. Many local residents made a night of it a few weeks ago, camping out in lawn chairs to watch the overnight installation of the central span of the bridge.
Now that the major construction works are mostly done, the fine detail work is coming along as quickly as possible, but again, the weather has caused delays. For example, things like curing the concrete within the structure have been delayed by rain. VicRoads now expects the bridge to be totally finished by March now, so a bit more patience will be rewarded.
VCAT clears crossing project
12 January 2011. State planning authorities have thrown out an objection to the building of the York Road crossing on the Lilydale - Warburton Rail Trail in Mount Evelyn, clearing the way for the project to proceed.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal found in favor of the proposed design, and the Shire of Yarra Ranges in now proceeding to notify its contractors, and finalize planning permits for the project.
Barring any other unnecessary delays, the intersection redevelopment should be finished by the end of June, and Lilydale - Warburton Rail Trail users will have a much better crossing at this infamous Mt. Evelyn hotspot.
Focus will then turn to the additional crossing improvements, which are also sorely needed.
Looking for something to do in January?
7 December 2010. The Maroondah Highway Bridge has landed gained its first span of Warburton rail trail, with the main span now well advanced and promising to be in place next January.
The photo (at right) shows the northern span of the bridge extending further towards the highway crossing.
Bicycle Network Victoria staff spied part of the southern span on the return from the RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride, parked on the side of the highway near Yarra Glen.
This is a significant impending milestone for the Lilydale - Warburton Rail Trail. Thank you to all of you who supported the bridge project patiently over the years.
While there are plenty of other important projects to keep everyone busy along this trail for sometime yet (York Road crossing, Monbulk Road crossing, trail diversion north of the new bridge at Mt. Lilydale College), take a minute over the holidays to enjoy the anticipation of a major impending victory, and get ready to be one of the first to ride over the bridge!
What a difference seven years makes
5 November 2010. A major step forward in the development of the Lilydale - Warburton Rail Trail is approaching with the first stage of the new bridge over the Maroondah Highway now in place.
The massive span for the bridge is being fabricated off-site and should be ready for installation early next year.
The project is a tale of long term planning and persistent lobbying. When the Bicycle Network Victoria staff visited the bridge site at the Maroondah Highway in 2003 the campaign was just getting underway. An email in August 2003 to the Trail Committee Chair stated: 'A meeting to talk about the bridge is a good idea'.
Now seven years later the bridge is under construction all should be able to ride on it in the Autumn. You can see some of the Bicycle Network Victoria staff at the same site on our recent staff development day.
York Road remains stuck in neutral
27 August 2010. The Shire of Yarra Ranges was nearing an announcement of the appointment of a contractor when it was delayed by...wait for it...an appeal to VCAT from a local resident on the basis that the plans for the intersection do not accommodate the eventual return of trains to the corridor.
(insert sound of crickets chirping...)
Not only is this view controversial on the basis that returning trains would mean the removal of the Rail Trail, one of Melbourne's favourite bike riding destinations, but this appeal has a serious sense of unreality about it.
The Department of Transport has no plans to restore trains to the Lilydale - Warburton corridor and the Victorian Transport Plan has no reference to Warburton in any long-term plans for the State's train network.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges has Bicycle Network Victoria's full support in resolving this frivolous situation as soon as possible and getting on with improving the intersection as agreed. Trail users are waiting on this improvement and don't need to suffer any more pointless delays.
Start on Maroondah Bridge @ Lilydale
19 July 2010. The five-year campaign for a bike bridge to Link the Warburton Trail to Lilydale station has come to fruition with the first sod turned on the $3.5M project.
It has been a patient wait for this key piece of infrastructure, but riders should be proud that their persistence has paid off.
State Member for the Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane, was on hand to break ground on the construction that should be finished later this year.
The bridge will mean riders and other trail users will not have to run the gauntlet of trying to tangle with traffic crossing the Maroondah Highway, but have an uninterrupted route from Lilydale Station to the rest of the Warburton Trail.
The bridge will help draw more riders to the area, by making the Trail much more accessible to the rest of metropolitan Melbourne, linking to the public transit network.
It will also make it easier for kids to ride to school at Mt. Lilydale Mercy College, and for local residents to ride to Lilydale Station and park at the new Parkiteer cage opening soon.
Maroondah Highway Bridge contract signed
9 November 2009. Riders and residents can mark the date of 6 October 2010 on their calendars for the expected completion of the Maroondah Highway Bridge, which will connect most of the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail to its orphaned northern tip and link to Lilydale Station directly.
The 52 week contract for construction of the bridge was awarded on last month to BMD Constructions.
BMD are currently involved in pre-construction activities and latest advice is that construction work is expected to begin by April 2010, though shovels could be in the ground sooner than that date.
If all goes well we will be riding it about 11 months from now.
See below for artists impression
York Road crossing drama: finally resolved
18 June 2009. After many months of discussion and dispute a new, finally acceptable version of the York Road intersection design and signalised road crossing for the Lilydale – Warburton Rail Trail has been proposed.
Click here to see a copy of the current design.
While not the absolute best design for the trail, it is a significant improvement over previous attempts.
Bicycle Network Victoria is prepared to accept this design so that the project can move forward. Too much time and money has already been expended as Yarra Ranges Shire persisted with designs that were unacceptable to trail users.
As shown in this latest design, the Trail at the intersection is misaligned. While a straight-across, signalised project was the original intention of the project, and would be the best result, this new version is workable.
The intersection crossing line is closer to the original alignment of the Trail than previously proposed, and the approaches to the intersection on both sides of York Road are now much smoother.
Bicycle Network Victoria encourages riders and trail users to accept this resolution in the spirit of accommodation that was sorely needed in a process that dragged on far too long.
There are a number of similar road crossings along the Trail that will now need attention, and it is hoped that the lessons learned from the York Road situation will make progress on the other ones quicker and easier.
The final consideration with this process is the money. Funding will be contributed from the VicRoads Bicycle Facilities Program. Recent advice is that total VicRoads contribution will be $238,000 plus administrative costs associated with re-designing the original proposal. This appears substantially higher than originally expected.
More considered insight to the design in the early stages would have avoided these unfortunate cost overruns, which leave less money available to improve other features of the Trail that also need work.
York Road crossing on Warburton trail needs more work
9 April 2009. Bicycle Network Victoria has rejected the outcome of the latest design review of this vital crossing, but more senior people at VicRoads are now involved.
On 30 March, VicRoads invited Bicycle Network Victoria to attend a meeting with representatives from the Shire of Yarra Ranges to discuss latest developments.
It had been four months since the last meeting, so it is worth a brief recap of past developments.
The design option presented late last year for the York Road intersection redevelopment (including a signalised trail crossing) was unacceptable. The design presented to the October meeting would have significantly disadvantaged users of the Lilydale - Warburton Rail Trail. This crossing is important. As you will remember 3km further west the $3.5 million Maroondah Highway Bridge will shortly be under construction. A poor quality crossing at York Road will undermine this significant investment.
Bicycle Network Victoria recommended changes to the plans before they could be considered acceptable for trail users.
As you will see from the update (below) from 21 October 2008, agreement was secured from VicRoads and the Shire to review their plans and make the necessary changes. They have been re-working the designs over the past months, and presented their conclusions at the meeting of 30 March.
In short, they said the alternative designs were unacceptable and re-presented the original proposal. The arguments against the alternative design were the same arguments that had been raised in October. They weren't acceptable then and no new evidence was forthcoming to support them.
Bicycle Network Victoria representatives told the meeting that the unchanged proposal remained unacceptable and explained that there was no point in discussing the issue further.
The flaws in the original design and the strengths of the alternative design have been raised with senior VicRoads management. They have agreed to consider the issue.
More news on this should follow in the next few weeks.
Council gives go-ahead to bridge
26 February 2009. The Shire of Yarra Ranges Council has unanimously approved the planning permit for construction of the Maroondah Highway Bridge, bringing the project one step closer.
This is excellent news for the Lilydale - Warburton Rail Trail and the Yarra Ranges community.
Council is to be congratulated for their prompt approval of the plans, making it possible for construction (expected to begin mid-year) to stay on schedule. Please write to Council here.
It has been worth the wait for bike riders, but with tangible progress on this project happening at a steady pace, it will be worth it when the Bridge if finished.
Once the Bridge is completed Lilydale will be an ideal access point to start a ride on the Trail.
It will also contribute to improving safety for kids riding to school by providing a better off-road link for bike riding and walking.
Maroondah Highway Bridge design finalised -- construction to begin soon
27 November 2008. The Maroondah Highway Bridge is a few steps closer to reality today.
Artist impressions of the Bridge have been released:
Coming on the heels of recent confirmation of full funding, it is reassuring to see quick and tangible progress on the final design of the Bridge.
VicRoads have lodged the planning permit application with the Shire and it is expected that the process to grant the permit will happen smoothly.
A construction contractor is expected to be appointed by July 2009, with construction planned to take a year, meaning that the Bridge will be open by mid-2010.
Alternative design for the York Road crossing to be delivered
21 October 2008. A meeting today at VicRoads' South East Region office opened the door to a new design for the Lilydale - Warburton Trail crossing at York Road.
We expect the alternative, which will now be worked on by consulting engineers, will incorporate a signalised, single trail crossing that will not include the proposed zebra crossing and traffic island.
The previously suggested zebra crossing and traffic island would have undermined what will be a major trail crossing.
The meeting involved Bicycle Network Victoria with representatives of VicRoads and the Shire of Yarra Ranges as well as local friends of the trail. The friends brought some site observations and traffic counts which were useful.
Those familiar with this issue will know that it has been a long and difficult process to get an acceptable result. We have long argued that the trail crossing as previously designed did not adequately recognise the needs of the trail users.
We have been clear about our position on this in the past and re-iterated that position and our specific objections to both Shire and VicRoads representatives.
The key result of today's meeting is this: the Shire of Yarra Ranges, with assistance and funding from VicRoads, will come up with an alternative proposal for the crossing that is acceptable to trail users. We uncertain whether this will take the form of a minor edit to the current design, or a more thorough review.
Key considerations that we will look for in a new design are: a more direct trail alignment, smooth and sensible approaches along the trail on either side of the intersection, and having the crossing fully signalised.
We are cautiously optimistic that we may be nearing an acceptable solution. We'll tell you when we know more, so keep watch. We are pleased that the Shire and VicRoads will move forward in amending the design, but we will reserve judgement until we see the new plan. We expect and hope that the Shire and VicRoads will deliver a plan that addresses our concerns, is sufficiently feasible to pass the promised risk assessment audit, and can then be constructed. We don't know what the result of this re-design will be. We are hoping for the best.
Letter to participants of 21 October meeting
22 October 2008
Members of the 21 October meeting re: Lilydale – Warburton Rail Trail crossing,
Thank you for participating in yesterday’s meeting to discuss issues relating to the Lilydale – Warburton Rail Trail crossing of
I am writing to confirm our understanding of the next steps as we search for a satisfactory outcome for all parties.
As a result of the meeting, the Shire of Yarra Ranges has undertaken to commission a new set of plans with related SIDRA analysis through their consultant. VicRoads Bicycle Facilities Program has agreed to fund the new design.
The design consultant will aim to include a completely signalised crossing with as direct an alignment as possible for the trail. The new trail crossing will not use of the proposed slip lane, zebra crossing and traffic island positioned at the left turn from York Rd to Gear Ave, but these elements may remain in the design.
We expect the new design to include:
- A review of the left turn from
- An amendment to the trail crossing alignment to make it as direct as possible allowing for the risk mitigation and traffic management concerns of the left turning motor vehicle movements from
- The maximum distance from the
We take as given from previous discussions and from yesterday’s meeting specific points of detail that will be included in this draft:
- Smooth transitions from the original alignment of the Lilydale – Warburton Rail Trail on the approaches to the pedestrian signals on both sides of the intersection – avoiding the sharper angles and turns shown in the current draft. Expectation is that a certain amount of earthworks and vegetation work will be required on the eastern side in order to achieve this.
- A 3.0 metre wide shared path crossing, as currently planned.
- Paving all portions of the amended trail alignment in saw cut concrete.
- An at-grade crossing of the median.
- Holding rails for bike riders to be placed properly on the left hand side of the approach to the crossing points and other terminal treatments as per VicRoads cycle notes 16 & 17.
- Installation of embedded, in-path induction loops to trigger signals on approach of bike riders.
- Investigation of the needs of horse riders and alteration of the crossing design to better accommodate them. This will include call up buttons for horse riders at the appropriate height (as per
- Decommission and landscape stubs of trail that will no longer be necessary to enhance legibility.
- Installation of bicycle lanterns at crossing points.
We understand that the new design will seek to balance the needs of the various users including the capacity of the intersection for motor vehicle movements as well as pedestrian needs while delivering improvements to the trail crossing in line with the points raised above.
Agreement was reached that a comprehensive SIDRA analysis and a risk management audit on the new plan will be completed following the production of the new design. We expect that stakeholders will be shown the new design prior to undertaking these steps.
The new design will be of an appropriate standard to pass the safety audit.
We appreciate that the Shire and VicRoads will undertake to amend the design. We are pleased that there was recognition, even if perhaps somewhat reluctantly given, that improvements to the design can be made. We understand that this is a complex problem to resolve, but are equally sure that a suitable outcome can be reached. We look forward to seeing and commenting on a new iteration of the design that better reflects our concerns.
Recap of York Road public information session
17 October 2008. Shire of Yarra Ranges Mayor and staff hosted a public information meeting on 13 October, at which the status of the
The Mayor and/or staff made the following points:
1. $450,000 in funds has been allocated by VicRoads for traffic treatments on the Warburton Rail Trail. A portion, yet to be decided by VicRoads, will be used at
Our response: We are pleased to see that the Shire continues to recognise their obligation to use this VicRoads money to deliver an appropriate crossing for the trail at
Our response: The Mayor is right. We want a crossing that does not take away from the trail. It can be done and it has been done before. We have provided both VicRoads and the Shire with similar examples of near intersection, closely controlled crossings which we feel provides enough precedent to consider a similar treatment in this case. We have made other recommendations which will improve the design as currently proposed. We are still unaware of which ones, if any, will be adopted.
The point about traffic delays is more about signalisation than where the trail crossing is finally located. Our recommendations to the alternative alignment, such as moving the stop line on
3. An obscured pedestrian crossing (around corner from
Our response: There are many pedestrian crossings just around the corner from a set of signals, for example, Camberwell Junction. A pedestrian crossing around the corner from a set of signals is not necessarily a deal-breaker. At the Junction, motor vehicles turning left from
4. The pedestrian crossing will be done to a higher standard than a normal footpath. The Shire cannot deliver what Bicycle
Our response: We have asked for the following:
A direct trail crossing
Minimal alteration to the crossing with no sharp angles or turns
Terminal treatments in line with VicRoads cycle notes 16 & 17
Decommission stubs of old trail that will no longer be used
Pave in concrete all altered sections of new trail
Move the proposed stop line on York Rd back to a better alignment with the trail
Remove the left turning slip lane from York Rd to Gear Ave and remove proposed traffic island
Add bicycle lanterns at crossing
Install flashing "give way to peds/bikes" signs facing turning motor vehicles
The Mayor is right. The trail is not a footpath, and as such should be treated as a trail and built to an appropriate standard, which the current plan does not do. We have directed the Shire to our webpage on appropriate path crossings, as well as to VicRoads cycle notes 16 & 17, which lay out requirements for building proper road crossings for bicycle paths. The current plan, as laid out, will not deliver a crossing for the trail of higher standard due to the diversion of the alignment, the stop line location, and slip lane. We have also noted that this proposal does not seem to take into account the needs of horse riders along the trail – a significant constituency – nor does it mention whether their needs would be considered. Barring significant changes to the design, we will continue to oppose the redevelopment in its current form, even if the Shire maintains that is not possible to deliver the changes that we require.
5. Public comments required in next 2 weeks then minor refinements to design before goes to tender early 2009 with completion mid 2009.
Our response: We look forward to seeing the changes that come about as a result of the public commentary. We hope that the Shire can make more than the “minor refinements” mentioned, and a sensible solution that is acceptable to all parties can be presented.
York Road information session - October 13, 6-8pm, Mt. Evelyn RSL
06 October 2008. The Shire of Yarra Ranges will be hosting an information session on Monday 13 October from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Mt Evelyn RSL (49 Birmingham Road, Mt Evelyn, Melways 118 A12) to allow "residents and traders to have their say on plans to overcome traffic and pedestrian concerns at the intersection of Wray Crescent and York Road in Mt. Evelyn" (text from Yarra Ranges Shire website - view the Shire's media release here).
The history of this proposed redevelopment is long. You can see from previous posts that we have been opposed to many previous versions of the plans that have been produced. The current version that we have been provided remains unsatisfactory. The proposed diversion of the trail away from its current alignment to the crossing at the new intersection is too great. Some of the alterations to the intersection, such as the addition of a traffic island and slip lane for turning from York Road into Gear Avenue as well as the position of the stop line on York Road are, in our view, not material to the needs of the intersection and will take away from the amenity of the trail. Here is a copy of the current plan.
With that said, we are continuing to work with Council and VicRoads to come to a resolution that is acceptable for users of the Lilydale - Warburton trail. We have recommended changes to the intersection plan that we would need to see to support the current proposal, and we have also provided VicRoads and Council with a precedent example of a closely-linked crossing that would allow the trail to retain its current alignment without having to divert to the altered intersection. We have so far seen no changes to the plans as a result of our recommendations.
It is important to consider the sources of funding for this intersection redevelopment. Some of the media coverage of this issue - such as this article - in the past may have led to some confusion. The $450,000 from the State Government comes from VicRoads with the requirement that it be spent on improving the trail. This money is not available for general use. At our August meeting with the Mayor, we were pleased to see a clearer commitment from the Shire regarding their obligation to spend this money on the trail. Calling this public meeting is a positive step towards fulfilling that obligation by consulting with the community and promising to revise plans accordingly to come up with a solution that is satisfactory to trail users.
The reason we are being extra careful about the result of this project is not simply to be contrarian. With the $3.5 million Maroondah Highway footbridge going in only a 15 minute ride away, delivering a sub-par crossing for the trail at York Road will be a disappointing result that will materially detract from this new investment in the Yarra Ranges community. We are interested in maintaining the very high quality of the Lilydale - Warburton Trail, which is set to improve even further with the addition of the Bridge. We are keen to impress upon all parties that a sensible resolution to the York Road question will impact not only on the crossing itself, but the trail as a whole and the community at large.
We need as many of you as possible to attend this meeting if available. Hearing the first-hand views of riders and trail users will help Council understand more clearly what your needs are. Your attendance and participation in this meeting, and any other future consultations like it, will supplement our efforts to get a resolution that we can all be happy with. Therefore, we need you there on Monday 13 October. We hope many of you can make it.
More funding bridges Maroondah gap
09 September 2008. Dare we finally dream of the bridge becoming a reality? Johan Scheffer, MLC for Eastern Victoria Region has announced that the Government would provide an additional funding allocation of $1.5 million to complete the Maroondah Highway Bridge overpass, and fill this gaping gap in the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail.
This new funding tops up previous funding of $1.8 million from the State Government and $200,000 from the Shire of Yarra Ranges, and provides a total funding allocation of $3.5 million, meaning that the bridge now has sufficient funding to start construction.
The design of the bridge itself, which was thought to be one of the major sticking points in the progression of the project, is still not public. However, Mr. Scheffer states that works on the bridge will begin in "early 2009", which is only a few months away, inspiring us to feel more confident that we will soon be riding over the Maroondah Highway rather than struggling to cross it at ground level.
We are still keen to see the plans, and as usual, we will update this page when further detail comes to light.
In the meantime, please write to the Premier and thank the Government for coming through with this funding.
Appendix to previous post
02 September 2008. In our previous post on the topic of our recent meeting with the Mayor of the Shire of Yarra Ranges, we neglected to mention a significant outcome. During the meeting, Mayor Heenan explained the current investments of $400,000 the Shire is putting towards the Lilydale - Warburton trail. This is a substantial commitment, and deserves special mention. Mayor Heenan should be thanked for his leadership in committing the Shire to providing this level of financial support for the trail. Please write to him here.
Glimmer of hope follows meeting with Yarra Ranges Mayor
25 August 2008. The chances of a better outcome on the York Road, Mt Evelyn, crossing has emerged from a meeting today with the Mayor of Yarra Ranges, Cr Tim Heenan and a group of Shire staff.
Relations with the Shire had been strained, but discussions today were frank and productive. As well as the York Road, issues discussed including the status of the Maroondah Highway Bridge and the potential development of a trail from Lilydale to Yarra Glen, when representatives of Rail Trails Australia joined the discussion.
We were encouraged about the high degree of agreement on the necessity to expedite the development of the bridge over the Maroondah Highway, and we look forward to working with the Shire to progress this. Similarly, all parties are thinking positively about the potential trail from Lilydale to Yarra Glen.
We still disagree about the status of the crossing at York Rd. The current version of the plans does not sufficiently reflect the needs of trail users. We will continue to talk to the Shire about the required changes, pleased that it is prepared to revise plans.
York Road crossing still unresolved
12 August 2008. Plans for the critically important York Road crossing in Mt. Evelyn are still at an impasse, now that the failings of amended plan by Yarra Ranges Shire have become clear.
Some of the previous posts from September 2007 outline the history of this issue.
Yarra Ranges Shire recently provided us with alternate plans for the long-awaited crossing. These plans aim to fold the proposed trail crossing into a larger redevelopment of the York Road/Wray Crescent intersection, a change which is at odds with the initial intent of the original funding allocation.
The Shire's goal is to use some of the funding dedicated to the trail crossing as part of their budget (in combination with other sources of funding) for major intersection changes, increasing vehicle capacity and flow. In the new design, the trail would be diverted to the controlled pedestrian crossing at the intersection.
As the initial intent of the crossing funding was to have the trail cross York Road with a limited change of course, we fail to see how this alternate plan will benefit bike riders.
York Road:
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Meeting with Yarra Ranges Shire
Bicycle Network Victoria met with Shire representatives on Friday, August 8, where we presented our concerns and listed a number of requirements that will need to be fulfilled if we are to support the alternate set of plans.
Because a direct crossing is of highest priority to bike riders, our primary intent is to prevent any negative diversion of the trail alignment merely to suit other traffic needs.
Shire representatives were reluctant to make any concessions to the alignment of the intersection stopline or the location of crossing points, though they have promised to revisit the issue, so we will be eager to see what kind of changes they make to their design in the near future.
We have also asked for a number of treatments to the trail that will improve flow and safety for riders using the trail, which was the goal of the initial crossing plan anyway. The Shire has been more receptive to some of these changes. While important, making these changes without any improvement to the trail crossing alignment as currently proposed by the Shire is not sufficient.
This remains a hot button issue . The trail needs this crossing, but we hope that the Shire will realize that bike riders can no longer be treated like second class citizens when considering infrastructure improvements.
Christine Fyffe, MP for Evelyn
Local State MP Christine Fyffe thinks very highly of the trail. We feel that hearing our members perspectives about the impact of the York Road crossing on riding the trail will enhance her understanding of this pressing issue. Write to her here, and ask her to support our required changes. Please remember to keep your comments positive. Mrs. Fyffe has expressed concern about a number of road crossings along the trail, and we are pleased to see that she is engaged with the issue, but further enlightenment from riders can only help!
Maroondah Highway bridge nearing design milestone
15 July 2008. The design phase on the long awaited bridge over the Maroondah Highway is nearing completion. The bridge will link the rail trail to Lilydale making it easy to get to from the railway station.
We understand that specific design details are still being finalised, with Sean Godsell Architects soon presenting finished documentation to the project partners, including VicRoads, Yarra Ranges Shire, and the Department of Planning and Community Development.
VicRoads will then apply to Yarra Ranges Shire for a planning permit. Bicycle Network Victoria will closely monitor the permit process to ensure that no undue delays occur. Riders and residents of Lilydale have waited long enough to be connected to the trail.
The bridge will be designed to a width of 3.0 meters, and will be approximately 100 meters long. The design will reference historical tress steel railway bridges.
We are looking forward to seeing the final designs, but are much more eager to have the structure built and in use. We are hopeful that there will be more to report in the coming days and weeks - stay tuned!
Changes in Rail Trail management responsibilities
11 July 08. Yarra Ranges Shire has recently taken on responsibility for the trail from the (now former) Lilydale-Warburton Committee of Management. Council & staff will now exert direct authority to act as the manager of the trail and have been undertaking expenditure on trail maintenance projects in line with their responsibilties for the past 12 months.
Shire officials are currently undertaking a review of the trail with focus on maintenance liabilities.The Shire is hoping to complete a report within six weeks that will include audits of a range of buildings and physical infrastructure on Crown Land that now fall within the responsibility of Council to maintain. This report may help Council come to a decision about whether the Shire can continue to manage the trail within current arrangements, or whether new arrangements will need to be sought.
There have been indications that if maintenance liabilities are higher than currently assumed, then the Shire may look at alternative management arrangements. Bicycle Network Victoria will be investigating developments on this front with interest. The least desirable outcome for the trail would be a situation where the management situation becomes confused and contentious, which will only cause the trail to suffer.
However, Shire staff have assured Bicycle Network Victoria that their committment to maintain the trail to a very high standard remains in effect. The Shire is continuing to undertake maintenance projects and path audits to identify and implement improvements to the trail, a new management plan is under review, and Council has also made financial commitments in the 10-year capital works budget for building improvements, including the bridge over the Maroondah Highway, all of which are positive developments.
A compromise solution is in the cards at York Road
Sep 07 Thank you everyone who wrote to the CEO of VicRoads. He has told us that he is going make sure that the issue will be resolved and that Bicycle Network Victoria will be consulted on the proposed plans.
It appears that VicRoads and Council have come up with a solution that will both work for rail trail users and will improve the York Road and Wray Cresent intersection. We are led to believe that the traffic lights will be much closer to the rail trail than Council had previously planned but will not be directly at the current trail. Without your letters the signals would have gone all the way down the hill!
We have not seen the plans yet so cannot fully support the compromise at this stage. We are also keen to see any savings that VicRoads gains by combining the rail trail crossing with the Wray Cresent intersection to be spent on other crossings or poor quality sections of the rail trail.
Yarra Ranges Shire trying to divert money from Rail Trail traffic lights at York Road
Sep 07 Council are currently running a public campaign to divert VicRoads funding for traffic lights on the Rail Trail at York Road in Mount Evelyn. They want the money spent on signals at the intersection of Wray Crescent and York Road. See map below.
VicRoads has pledged $450,000 for the rail trail crossing.
Council says that traffic lights down the hill at Wray Cresent and York Road are near enough for trail users crossing York Road. Bicycle Network Victoria does not agree. Wray and York is too far away. Have a look yourself when you next ride the trail. Attempting to divert rail trail users to Wray Crescent will result in riders and walkers continuing to cross busy York Road without traffic lights.
VicRoads has prioritised the Rail Trail crossing and we support their decision. If the Wray - York intersection can reach the warrants for a set of signals, then Council can apply to VicRoads to pay for them in the normal signals program.
You can show your support for signals at York Road on the Rail Trail by writing to the Mayor. Remember to keep it positive.
Email Yarra Ranges Mayor Tim Heenan
Thank you everyone who wrote to the CEO of VicRoads. He has told us that he is going make sure that the issue will be resolved and that Bicycle Network Victoria will be consulted on the proposed plans.
Mt Evelyn Rail Trail Signals campaign
Share your bike routes @ Bikely.com
Funding Announced for bridge over the Maroondah Highway in Lilydale
15 Jun 06 Yesterday local state MP Heather McTaggart announced that the missing bridge link in the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail will be built. This is an exciting development which Bicycle Network Victoria has been working towards for the last 5 years.
We met with Heather last year. Since then she has made the difference in the campaign, working tirelessly lobbying government ministers for funding to complete the link. Without her hard work the gap would still be there.
This bridge will become a favourite for the surrounding community. It will bring links to schools, allowing children to ride to school every day, which will have a positive impact on local and peak hour traffic.
Locals will be able to walk and ride further, take the dog out to new places and enjoy their surrounds. It will also allow easy access to the train station to residents on the south side of the Maroondah Highway.
For visitors a bridge will make a big difference. Eighty percent of trail users indicated they would be more inclined to start their rail trail trip at Lilydale if there was a continuous and easy to follow trail from Lilydale Station to the Maroondah Highway and a safe crossing over the road
Traders in Lilydale have been missing out on thousands of dollars while the link from the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail to Lilydale Station is incomplete.
If you would like to thank Heather for her work, send her an email, heather.mctaggart@parliament.vic.gov.au.
See below for details of the Bridge over the Maroondah Highway project.
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Parks Victoria funding announced for Lilydale Station Connection
Oct 05 After Bicycle Network Victoria members wrote over 500 letters earlier this year, Minister Thwaites has announced a new fund for the Metropolitan Trail Network (MTN). Funding for the MTN now meets the state government’s 2002 election promise; however more money will be needed to fund critical projects.
The new fund will provide $90,000 towards the construction of the trail between the Lilydale Train sation and the Maroondah Highway. The Shire of Yarra Ranges will also provide some matching funding for the project.
While the funding of the trail construction is a commendable step, current government funding will not build the bridge over the Maroondah Highway. By this time next year the rail trail will be completed to both sides of the highway, forcing users across the busy highway. A commitment of funding for the bridge will be required within the next year to provide a safe and continuous trail into Lilydale.
We believe that increasing the Metropolitan Trail Network annual funding to five million dollars could deliver this and other important projects on the trail network.
Lilydale needs a bridge over the Maroondah Highway
Sept 05 Lilydale is currently isolated from the successful Warburton Rail Trail because there is no bridge over the Maroondah Highway.
Local state MP Heather McTaggart is currently seeking a funding commitment for the bridge from Deputy Premier John Thwaites. Bicycle Network Victoria strongly believes that the Deputy Premier has a responsibility to provide significant funding for the bridge.
Connecting the rail trail to Lilydale station
Jul 05 The trail is incomplete at the Lilydale end with disjointed sections between the train station and the Maroondah Hwy. Currently the trail starts at the side of the highway (pictured) with no safe crossing point and no legible link to Lilydale station.
A pedestrian bridge is badly needed to provide a crossing point between the north and south side of Lilydale which is currently divided by the busy 6-lane road.
The Committee of Management, Yarra Ranges Shire and Bicycle Network Victoria are working together to see this section complete.
Funding the bridge
Jul 05 Government plans to sell Crown Land which includes part of the former La La railway siding in Warburton to developers of the Edgewater Spa resort.
The Rail Trail Committee of Management, Warburton Advancement League, Bridge 3799, Upper Yarra River Frontage Reserve Committee and Yarra Ranges Shire have written to the government requesting that the proceeds of the sale be reinvested back into the Yarra Ranges community towards the cost of the bridge.
To date the Rail Trail Committee of Management has raised $120,000 for the bridge with an additional $200,000 pledged by Yarra Ranges Shire. The cost of the bridge will be in excess of $1 million and anticipated costs rise each year with increases in the cost of steel.
Liz Tunnecliffe from the Rail Trail Committee of Management says "with the money from the sale of this prime land and a contribution from the Federal Government, we would be well on the way to linking Lilydale to the rail trail".
The community groups have written to local MPs Tammy Lobato and Heather McTaggart, the Minister for Finance John Lenders and the Minister for Planning Rob Hulls requesting that the Crown Land sale proceeds go to the rail trail bridge project.
Caption: Artist's impression of the proposed bridge