The two horror roundabouts on the important bike route along Mt Alexander Road in Essendon will get some interim improvements while planning work on longer-term upgrades continues.
Earlier this year the state government launched an investigation of the roundabouts at the intersection of Mt Alexander Road and Napier, Fletcher and Russell streets, and with Bulla, Keilor and Lincoln Roads, with a view to developing long-term solutions to the problems caused by multiple connecting roads, tram tracks and tram stops, service lanes, pedestrian crossings, shops, other businesses, a surfeit of nearby car parking and virtually no bike infrastructure.
Public consultation reported major concerns regarding safety, driver behaviour, tram stop access and the safety of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
As a consequence, safety improvements were identified as a critical priority and the government has been advised that short-term improvements could be implemented while long-term solutions continue to be investigated.
There will be $6.55 million available for interim safety upgrades at the intersection of Mt Alexander Road and Napier, Fletcher and Russell streets, involving safer pedestrian crossings and clearer line marking to make the intersection easier to navigate.
Planning work on long-term intersection upgrades is expected to be complete later this year.
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