The long-awaited upgrade to Barkly Street in Footscray could be underway later this year.
Just a long punt kick from the Whitten Oval is the section of Barkly Street between Summerhill Road and Gordon Street, linking to the next section between Gordon and Geelong Road, both hectic with traffic, yet a vital bike route from the west.
The stretch near the football ground is excessively wide, badly configured and blighted with car yards on one side of the street.
The project will improve safety for all road users, not just people on bikes, in this section of the street.
Closer to Geelong Road the road is narrower and more typically urban, but has more parking movements and busy driveways to a fast food restaurant.
The project is out for public comment currently, closing at the end of the month.
You can complete an online survey, meet the council team or make a submission.
As well as wide, separated bike lanes, the upgrade includes improved pedestrian crossing facilities, more plants and trees and plans for bus stop upgrades.
“We want to hear from people who live on Barkly Street, who visit the village, or travel through it to make sure that this design has something for everyone,” said Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra.
“We know how important it is for people to feel safe traveling around our City, and this project hopes to create a smoother walk, ride and drive for everyone,” he added.
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