Merri-bek City Council is proposing to filter out rat-running traffic from a key section of the East Brunswick shimmy route.
It plans to trial a six-12 month motor vehicle road closure of Barrow Street, at the intersection with Harding Street in Coburg.
Bike riders and pedestrians will have full access to the streets, as will residents and visitors.
The council says Barrow Street is an important walking and biking link that connects many local destinations. It is also a key walking and biking link for school students from Coburg High and Coburg Primary schools, Antonine College and Merri-bek Primary School.
The closure is also expected to significantly enhance the comfort, safety and amenity of the streets surrounding the nearby Saint Bernard's Catholic Primary School.
The council has sought public comment on the proposed trial: https://conversations.merri-bek.vic.gov.au/barrow-street-trial-road-closure
"Changing the way our streets operate can create safer and more efficient street experience for all road users,” the council says.
"Sometimes, that includes limiting through-access for motor vehicles and opening up the street for use via other modes of transport and local residents.
"This trial closure is expected to create a safer road environment for our most vulnerable road users such as these school children, pedestrians and people riding bikes by reducing vehicle volumes and speeds, while maintaining local access for residents to enjoy a quieter and safer street environment.
"The trial closure would be expected to have minimal impact on motor vehicle traffic in the area, with many available alternative routes for drivers.”
Traffic studies available from the consultation show that any traffic diverted into local streets will result in slight increases, but will still be far below the acceptable volumes for those streets.
During the trial the council would assess whether a permanent closure is an appropriate and viable option for this location by gathering and assessing relevant traffic data, observations and community feedback.
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