A shared path will be added to the new Maidstone Street Bridge over the rail line in Altona.
Construction is already underway on the structure, a level crossing removals project.
Maidstone Street runs from the coast through residential Altona, and then into heavily industrialised development further inland.
Early designs for the bridge showed only a footpath for active transport, implying that bike riders would need to share road lanes on the bridge with heavy trucks.
Authorities did not fully appreciate that Maidstone Street is the only connection across the rail line to North Altona and Kororoit Creek Road from Altona, and is used by many people who commute to workplaces in the vast North Altona industrial zone.
The 2m-wide path will run on the western side of the bridge through to Ajax Road, providing a continuation of off-road paths between Morrow St and north of the existing level crossing.
At Ajax Road, bike riders will notice that the shared path connects to a new footpath where riders will have the option of rejoining Maidstone Road.
Work continues at the site, with the first beams in place, and relocation of underground power, gas, sewer, water and telecommunication services along Maidstone Street and surrounding roads.
Soon construction of the new bridge will require closing of the road and the provision of a new temporary road along the north-eastern side of Maidstone Street.
Further information will be provided closer to the date.
Reduced speed limits and traffic management will be in place around the work areas. There will be an increase in construction vehicles, delivery trucks and machinery moving around the area.
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