Finalisation of designs for the Eastern Freeway upgrade have resulted in a boost for riding facilities being delivered by the project.
As part of the North East Link Project (NELP), urban design and landscape plans for the freeway project between Burke Road and Tram Road went through a public consultation process last year.
As a result of submissions, a number of opportunities for improvement were identified and have this month been approved by the Minister for Planning.
With construction of permanent, above-ground buildings and structures now set to get underway, the project has announced an extra 1.2km of upgrades to the Koonung Creek Trail, improvements to the Heyington Avenue walking and cycling bridge for a better connection to Valda Wetlands, improvements to walking and cycling connections at Doncaster Road, and additional community facilities along the main Koonung Creek Trail including BBQs, rest areas, fitness equipment and bicycle repair stations.
Additional separate pedestrian paths have been added in locations where greater numbers of walkers are expected to use the trail.
The curved ramps in the Heyington Street Bridge have been broadened making turns easier.
The NELP project involves multiple sectors, multiple stages, and multiple contracts. The section from Bourke Road to Tram Road will have a considerable impact on the trail on both sides of the creek requiring closures and diversion of the route during construction, and significant sections of new trail and bridge structures to be delivered as part of the project.
The detours are being finalised and riders will be notified before major works start.
Improvements to the Kooyong Creek Trail include:
- Upgraded Koonung Creek Trail through Koonung Creek Reserve, pedestrian paths, rest areas, fitness and bike repair stations.
- New Estelle Street bridge.
- New Heyington Avenue bridge.
- Upgraded Koonung Creek Trail at Valda Wetlands, pedestrian paths, seats and viewing areas.
- New Bulleen Road bridge and underpasses.
- Upgraded Doncaster Road underpass.
- New underpass through to Doncaster Park & Ride.
- Lighting upgrades for Musca Street Reserve underpass.
There are two other sections of the Eastern Freeway upgrade later in the schedule: the Hoddle Street to Burke Road and the Tram Road to Springvale Road stages, which will also deliver improvements to bike infrastructure.
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