Riders who usually use Southbank Promenade to get along the Yarra River will find access restricted for months as construction gets underway on upgrading the Promenade area closest to Princes Bridge.
Although bikes are not excluded from the zone around the construction site, because use of the narrow width it will congested with pedestrians at busy times.
Therefore, it is advisable that bikes passing through Southbank use the detour route devised by the City of Melbourne.
Workers in Southbank who commute by bike, and those riding there for other purposes, will still have access, but may need to walk their bikes for short distances.
The project is along the 300-metre section between Princes Bridge and the Evan Walker Bridge.
The upgrade was originally scheduled for last year but was delayed due to COVID-19.
The upgrade includes a major redesign to reduce clutter and improve the experience of Promenade users, including those on foot and on bikes.
The area is a tourist magnet, and the new design should provide better views for visitors closer to the river and away from through traffic
The scope of the required works includes:
removing street furniture, lighting poles and the upper promenade balustrade constructing stairs and a ramp on the west side next to Evan Walker Bridge and on the east side fronting Hamer Hall drainage works electrical works and installing new lighting installing a new balustrade including LED lighting installing new bollards planting new trees new landscaping works and irrigation
Signage and fencing are in place.
Normal construction hours will be 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Occasional work may be required on Saturdays between 8am and 6pm.
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