Footy fans can look forward to a safer and easier walk from Richmond to the MCG as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Streamlining Hoddle Street project.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan has unveiled designs for new walkways, pedestrian crossings and upgraded waiting areas in Melbourne’s iconic sporting precinct, to keep pedestrians off the road during major events.
Whenever there’s a big game or a major concert thousands of pedestrians make their way across Punt Road and Swan Street on their way to places like AAMI Park, Rod Laver Arena and the MCG .
Crowds often spill onto the road, creating serious safety risks and causing significant traffic delays.
As part of the Labor Government’s upgrades to improve traffic flow at the intersection of Punt Road and Swan Street, a new footpath will be built under Richmond Station Bridge, connecting Olympic Boulevard and Brunton Avenue.
The new footpath will provide a better link between Yarra Park and Gosch’s Paddock for walkers and joggers using the area.
There’ll also be wider spaces for pedestrians to wait at traffic lights, more green light time at crossings and shorter crossing distances.
By removing slip lanes, pedestrians will no longer have to wait to cross the road on small islands in-between moving traffic, instead waiting safely away from the roadside in larger, more open spaces .
More than 70 pedestrians have been involved in crashes in the area over the last five years, including 17 that were seriously injured.
The improvements are part of the $60 million Streamlining Hoddle Street Project, which will improve traffic flow and reliability on Melbourne’s busiest arterial road corridor.
Construction at Eastern Freeway and Johnston Street will begin at the end of 2017, with upgrades starting at the Swan Street and Punt Road intersection after the 2018 Australia Open.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan
“Whether you’re getting the train in to the footy, enjoying dinner on Swan Street before a concert or just heading out for a jog, we want to make sure everyone can get across this busy intersection safely.”
“Melbourne is the sporting a major events capital of Australia - that’s why we’re investing in the infrastructure we need to get people in and out of our world class events precinct.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020