More than 30,000 motorists crossing the Swan Street Bridge every day will have a safer and faster journey with the bridge to be widened to cater for an additional lane and new pedestrian and cycling paths.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan today revealed details of the $30 million upgrade to help ease congestion for motorists and provide a safer solution for cyclists and pedestrians attending major events at the Melbourne and Olympic Park precinct.
The upgrade will include:
- An additional lane in the eastbound direction on Swan Street Bridge and Olympic Boulevard – becoming 5 traffic lanes
- Two new separated pedestrian and bike paths on both sides of the Bridge
- A new pedestrian crossing on the Alexandra Avenue side of the Bridge
The upgrade will save motorists around five minutes during peak periods, by better managing traffic and reducing the disruption caused by current lane switching.
Up to 1000 cyclists per hour travel through the precinct and up to 1300 pedestrians per hour walk over the bridge after major events in Melbourne’s premier sports and entertainment precinct.
Community consultation for the urban design of the project will start next Tuesday and will consider night time lighting, artwork and architectural features along the barriers separating cyclists and pedestrians from traffic.
Expressions of interest for experienced companies to undertake the upgrade will open on 18 May.
Interested companies will then be shortlisted prior to a formal tender process with a contract due to be awarded in late 2016 and construction underway by early 2017.
For more information on the Expression of Interest, please visit the VicRoads website at
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We know motorists are sick and tired of being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic at this notorious choke point so we're fixing it.”
“Swan Street Bridge is the gateway to Melbourne’s busiest sports and entertainment precinct and we’re going to make it safer for motorists, as well as the many hundreds of pedestrians who use it before and after major events.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“Upgrading the Bridge will improve eastbound traffic flow, reduce congestion and provide a safer crossing over the Yarra for cyclists, and we’re getting it done.”
“Whether it’s on the way to a game at the MCG or AAMI Park, a concert at Rod Laver Arena or stopping to observe the spectacular Melbourne skyline, the Swan Street Bridge is an important part of Melbourne’s cultural history.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020