Update: Note that the current closure of the Footscray Road Trail for Veloway construction, and the associated detour via the Moonee Ponds Creek and Dynon Road, has been extended to 30 June 2024.
The first segment of the elevated 2.5km veloway from Footscray to the city has been lifted into position as construction kicks off above a closed Footscray Road.
An intensive program to erect another 194 segments will be underway until later this year.
The segments are assembled nearby and then trucked to the worksite and lifted by crane to be hung from the freeway structure.
This first segment is adjacent to one of several emergency exits positioned along the length of the veloway.
When completed, the elevated structure will weigh a total of about 1700 tonnes and has been strengthened to support emergency vehicles.
Bicycle Network joined the Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson for an inspection of the first segment.
“The new elevated cycling super-highway above Footscray Road will be a game changer for cyclists in the West – giving cyclists a safer off-road route between the inner west and the city,” Pearson says.
“Cyclist safety is at the forefront of the Veloway’s design – which will remove six intersections for bike riders between Footscray and Docklands.”
Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack says the facility will be a turning point for bike commuters from the west.
“This project gives bike riders a quick and direct route away from traffic and intersections and will lead to very reliable journey times to and from the city.”
The 4-metre-wide deck is made of a coated non-slip structural steel, the walls are perforated metal and the segments are vibrant green.
The West Gate Tunnel Project will deliver 14km of new and upgraded bike lanes, and a series of bridges.
The on-ground Footscray Road trail will be retained for walkers and bike riders who chose to travel at ground level.
The Veloway has emergency exits with alarms, emergency vehicle access, lighting, full CCTV coverage monitored by a traffic control centre, and a mesh cover and perforated side panels to let sunshine in and fresh air through.
The Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said: “The West Gate Tunnel Project is delivering more than 14 kilometres of new and upgraded paths to make it safer and easier for more people to cycle in Melbourne’s inner west.
The Member for Footscray Katie Hall said: “The West Gate Tunnel Project will completely change the way we move around Melbourne’s west for the better and we thank people for their continued patience while we get on with these vital works.”
The Member for Northern Metropolitan Sheena Watt said: “These upgrades will deliver safer connections for our communities commuting between the city and inner west – and will also encourage more people to jump on a bike!”
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