A new elevated bike path has been delivered for Melbourne cyclists as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Gabrielle Williams, joined Australian cycling champion Cadel Evans and students from Footscray City Primary School to celebrate VeloDay, announcing the 2.5 kilometre veloway is now open.
Running between Shepherd Bridge in Footscray and the city side of Moonee Ponds Creek, the veloway will remove the need for cyclists to cross six intersections including busy port entries and exits – giving bike riders a safe, dedicated express off-road route to and from the CBD.
To be known as the Dixon Veloway, in honour of Victorian cyclist and Australian Hall of Fame inductee Iris Dixon, the eye-catching connection provides seamless and safe travel for Victorians who love to ride between Melbourne’s inner west, the city and beyond.
195 individual segments were lifted to form the veloway’s suspended section that weighs a total of 1,700 tonnes.
The two-lane cycling super-highway is four metres wide and is equipped with lighting, CCTV, alarmed exits and emergency vehicle access – all designed to give riders of every ability a safer, more comfortable journey.
By the end of this year, the West Gate Tunnel Project will deliver more than 14 kilometres of new and upgraded bike paths including the missing links of the Federation Trail between Fogarty Avenue and Hyde Street in Yarraville.
A new bike park will also be delivered in the coming weeks beneath CityLink near the Moonee Ponds Creek – offering skateboarders and BMX riders a range of tracks that caters to all skill levels.
The West Gate Tunnel Project will transform travel in Melbourne’s west, delivering a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, while cutting congestion and taking 9,000 trucks off local roads every day.
Member for Footscray, Katie Hall, said, “VeloDay is here – not only will the veloway encourage more people to jump on a bike, it will deliver a safer commute for people travelling between Melbourne’s west and the city.”
