The project to upgrade the vital north–south bike route on Exhibition Street through the Melbourne CBD gets underway again next month.
City of Melbourne contractors will move into the street between Flinders and Bourke Streets, refining and making permanent the separated lane arrangements that were put in place in 2020.
Later, in early June, activities will move along to the section between Bourke and Little Lonsdale streets.
Riders will recall that the stretch through the theatre precinct – jointly funded by the state government – is already completed.
The final section, from Little Lonsdale to La Trobe Street is in the design phase with construction yet to be scheduled.
Changes include:
- upgrade of separator kerb to bluestone kerbing
- minor linemarking modifications and green surface treatment so bike lanes are easier to see
- constructing bluestone pavers and extending footpath
- maintaining kerbside parking conditions.
Concept plans can be viewed here.
Since the current lanes were introduced, safety in the street has improved significantly, traffic flow and parking is better organised and the environment for visitors on foot and local businesses is more attractive.
The importance of this route for bikes was long under-appreciated, but as it connects the Main Yarra Trail in the south to the Rathdowne and Canning Street routes in the north, as well as major east–west corridors, its utilisation will continue to grow.
Bicycle Network will provide further details of construction arrangements close to the time.
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