Cyclists and pedestrians are set to benefit from major works beginning on the first of three overpass bridges for the Federation Trail, as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $1.8 billion Western Roads Upgrade.
Piling works are commencing on the northern side of the overpass on Dohertys Road near Hume Road in Laverton North, which will span 140 metres in length and be four metres wide.
The bridge will soar six metres above Dohertys Road and encourage more family and community groups to use the Federation Trail, which follows the heritage-listed Main Outfall Sewer from Brooklyn to Werribee.
The new overpass will remove the need for ground level crossings, giving the hundreds of riders who use the 23-kilometre trail every week safer journeys away from busy roads.
The contemporary bridge constructed from coloured steel and concrete will be further complemented by new landscaping.
These improvements will encourage more cyclists to use the trail, with 60 per cent of Victorians reporting they are deterred from riding due to safety concerns.
Community access to the Federation Trail will be maintained during construction, with some detours in place. Work is expected to finish on this first overpass in mid-2020.
Construction will begin on the longest of the three structures – at 220 metres – at Palmers Road and Sayers Road intersection in Williams Landing, along with construction of the Leakes Road overpass near Interchange Drive, Truganina from September 2019.
Cyclists and pedestrians will also benefit from more than 50 kilometres of shared user paths being built or upgraded alongside the roads being widened, as part of the broader Western Roads Upgrade.
General maintenance activities for the Federation Trail including pavement rectification, rubbish and graffiti removal will be covered over the next 20 years as part of the Western Roads Upgrade maintenance program. This program also takes in more than 260 kilometres of arterial roads from Footscray to Werribee.
More than 1100 workers are involved in this record investment in Melbourne’s west, which is part of the Labor Government’s $4 billion Suburban Roads Upgrade.
Major construction is being carried out in stages to keep Melbourne’s western suburbs moving, with major works as part of the Western Roads Upgrade expected to be finished in 2021.
Quotes attributable to Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly
“We know cycling is great for fitness and the environment and eases pressure on our roads and public transport, so we’re building these new modern overpasses for the Federation Trail to encourage more people to ride in Melbourne’s west.”
“It’s not just drivers who will benefit from the Western Roads Upgrade, with three new overpasses being built for the Federation Trail as well as more than 50 kilometres of shared user paths.”
“There’s a growing number of riders in Melbourne’s west, and we’re thrilled to deliver these overpasses to make it easier and safer to use the Federation Trail.”
