The project to upgrade and extend the Upfield Trail has restarted and consequently there will be closures and minor detours for the next three weeks.
The works involve the installation of solar-powered LED bollards in two stages:
- Spry Street to Bakers Road: Wednesday 15 February to Tuesday 21 February
- Rogers Street to O’Hea Street: Thursday 23 February to Wednesday 8 March
Work crews will be onsite from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Detours are per the maps below.
The signalisation of Box Forest Road and Sages Road has also received funding as part of the Federal Blackspot Program to help improve safety for people using the trail.
It is currently in planning stage and requires design approvals along with level crossing interlinking process approvals.
The works are part of a $3.7M Department of Transport (DoT) project that has been gradually unfolding, and at completion will see the trail connecting through to the M80 Ring Road Trail.
The existing Upfield shared use path runs for approximately 8 km, from Park Street in Brunswick to Box Forest Road in Hadfield, adjacent to the Upfield Railway Line.
It accommodates 2,500 bicycle riders daily and connects to key routes such as Merri Creek Trail, Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and the Capital City Trail.
"This project aims to refurbish and extend the Upfield shared use path, including important lighting, marking and construction works that will improve safety and accessibility for people walking and cycling in the area,” the DoT says.
"Walking and bike riding is growing in popularity and is a healthy and sustainable mode of transport that reduces traffic congestion and the need for on-road parking space.
"That’s why the Victorian Government has committed to developing an easy, safe and better-connected bicycle network to encourage the continuation of these healthy habits for more daily trips, particularly around our local neighbourhoods.
"This project will encourage those Victorians who want to walk and ride more on easier and safer paths, crossings and streets, to do so with a safer option to walk and ride in the local area - to schools, stations, shops and parks.”
Further stages of the project are expected to be unveiled in the coming months.