DISCUSSION PAPER APRIL 2016 Cycling and walking The Victorian Government and Transurban are comitted to safe and sustainable commuting corridors that encourage active transport and improve mobility and connected communities. Comments captured through consultation that Background relate to active transport included: Councils, VicRoads and Bicycle Network have • many local residents cited access to walking made a lot of progress towards planning for and cycling facilities, public transport and the improved safety and expanding existing active freeway as a benefit of living in the inner west transport networks, both cycling and walking. • there are concerns about the ability to travel Various plans and strategies aim to encourage safely – whether by foot, bike or motor vehicle cycling or walking as a choice of transport mode. – given the high volumes of truck traffic and The success of this work is evident in the shortfalls in the existing cycling network popularity of cycling in Melbourne which has • there is a need to ensure consideration for consistently grown over the last 15 years, with pedestrian, cyclist and public transport more people choosing to ride a bike every year. user safety and amenity in planning for the Western Distributor The Western Distributor will provide • opportunities to improve cycling route opportunities to support cycling and walking. connectivity through the inner west were Throughout planning for the project we will identified, with many specifically noting consult with the community and walking and the ‘missing link’ in the Federation Trail as cycling groups to understand their travel needs a priority and ideas. We will also work with councils, VicRoads and Bicycle Network to see how we • improved cycling and pedestrian facilities can incorporate existing active transport plans and complementary changes to the and strategy documents into the design. surrounding road network would benefit the community and should be prioritised What we’ve heard so far • there is a need to consider potential future Initial consultation undertaken in 2015 provided developments and land use when planning an insight into community views about the for the Western Distributor. existing infrastructure and future vision for the local active transport network. Residents What do you value most place a high value on public open space and facilities, particularly public parks and about the cycling network sporting grounds and there is a strong sense in your area? of community in the area. Ideas for improvements We are looking at ways to better connect The busy cycling path along Footscray and upgrade existing cycling and Road will be grade-separated, to reduce walking paths. any conflict between trucks, cyclists and As part of the project, we will complete pedestrians. the Federation Trail missing link between Williamstown Road and Hyde Street. Pedestrian bridges over the West Gate What improvements to the Freeway will also be replaced and cycling network would you upgraded, to be compliant with Disability most like to see? Discrimination Act (DDA). ) LEGEND k in L M1 widening 8 to 12 lanes n r Upgraded e Existing motorway network t s path and e Western Distributor elevated structure W interchanges ( k Western Distributor tunnel Opportunity along Kensington n i Road at ground level Footscray Rd L for improvements y t to Capital City Wurundjeri Way bypass i C Trail and links Walking and cycling trails Dynon Rd entry and exit ramps not depicted Dock Link Rd Whitehall St Footscray Rd Geelong Rd Appleton Dock Rd Swanson Wurundjeri Way Completion Yarraville CBD illiamstown Rd Dock of Federation W Trail Brooklyn er Francis St iv Bolte R Bridge rra Ya Hyde St W West Gate Freeway est Gate Bridge West Gate Fre ewa Rd odd y T Replacement Altona North of pedestrian St Graham bridges Millers Rd Port Melbourne Grieve Pde Opportunity for improvements to Kororoit Creek Trail Webb Dock and links What we know so far Design and community safety Current cycling and walking paths Overall the Western Distributor will assist in providing active and sustainable transport The inner west has a sizeable off-road choices for both commuter and recreational shared path network providing accessibility cycling in the inner west. to both commuter and recreational cyclists. We are planning a sustainable and Key routes include: environmentally sensitive approach to the Federation Trail design and construction of the Western A 23 kilometre off-road cycling and walking Distributor to enhance integration with current path running parallel to the Main Outfall Sewer and planned urban land uses and cycling and reservation and the West Gate Freeway from walking paths. Werribee to Yarraville. The trail connects to the The Western Distributor aims to aid active Werribee River Trail, Skeleton Creek Trail and transport by: Western Ring Road Trail. • improving physical separation of cyclists from general traffic to improve safety and provide Footscray Road Path a more direct travel route An off-road cycling and walking path that • improving cycling and walking routes, with runs parallel to Footscray Road and Harbour new shared use paths Esplanade between the Maribyrnong River • upgrading existing shared use paths, and Docklands. It is the main east-west path providing improved access to public open connecting the CBD with the western suburbs. space and recreational facilities Maribyrnong River Trail and • enhancing a major cycling corridor from Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail the west, providing new cycling links and opportunities to enhance existing cycling An off-road cycling and walking path starting connections from beyond Williamstown, running parallel to the Yarra River, Hyde Street and Whitehall Street • reducing the number of trucks on local roads before following the Maribyrnong River north to in the inner west, improving safety for cyclists Brimbank Park in Keilor. and pedestrians using these streets Dynon Road Trail An off-road cycling and walking path running During construction parallel to Dynon Road between Sims Street Cyclist and pedestrian facilities will also be an (east of the Maribyrnong River) and the important consideration during construction, Moonee Ponds Creek Trail (CityLink). with any impacts to paths reduced as much as possible and safety of cyclists and pedestrians Moonee Ponds Creek Trail carefully managed. We want to hear from local An off-road cycling and walking path communities about the best way to manage running along Moonee Ponds Creek starting and communicate any temporary changes. from Docklands in the south connecting to Melbourne Airport in the north. Capital City Trail What is the best way to communicate changed An off-road cycling and walking path that conditions of the active follows the Yarra River from the Charles Grimes transport network to cyclists Bridge to the Eastern Freeway, where it follows and pedestrians during and Merri Creek to the boundary of the City of Yarra. post construction? Kororoit Creek Trail Approximately 8 kilometers and travels along Kororoit Creek, from More Park, through Ardeer and Albion, through to Selwyn Park, then past Buckingham Reserve and ends in Sunshine West. Other On-road bicycle lanes including on Somerville Road, Hyde Street and Buckley Street. What is next? Get involved Whether by car, train, bus, boat, bike or Consultation is an important part of the on foot, it’s how people get in and around project’s development. There will be a number communities that helps a city, its residents of opportunities to get involved. and its businesses thrive. Ideas for walking and cycling will be explained As we progress in planning for the Western and discussed with the community. Distributor, we will consult with community, We want to understand any concerns and councils and government to ensure the identify ideas or other important considerations projects design takes a holistic approach, to help inform the development of the project. allowing for a safe and functional transport network that integrates with land use, local Contact us values (social, historical and environmental) You can keep in touch with the project and future development strategies. team and be informed of the latest news by subscribing to updates via: PHONE 1300 280 939 EMAIL [email protected] ONLINE westerndistributorproject.vic.gov.au Interpreter service: 13 14 50 westerndistributorproject.vic.gov.au [email protected] 1300 280 939 facebook.com/westerndistributorproject.