The three-year delay in the construction of the Upfield sky rail in Melbourne presents an opportunity to ensure that the route 19 tram has accessible stops and protected bike lanes in place before the work begins. There are concerns from the Sydney Road Brunswick Association manager and local traders about potential impacts on businesses due to changes to the strip, including the loss of on-street parking. Disability advocate Martin Leckey highlighted the lack of level tram stops on Sydney Road, making it difficult for people with limited mobility to navigate the area. He emphasized the need for accessibility improvements, particularly from Brunswick Road north.
Route 96 in Brunswick East has demonstrated that a combination of centre island and vehicle roll-over elevated tram stops can make a tram route accessible. While Victoria is legally obligated to make all 1600 of Melbourne’s tram stops accessible by the end of 2022, only 458 stops had been upgraded as of last June. Leckey expressed disappointment in the slow progress and urged for a prioritization of accessibility improvements. The Department of Transport and Planning plans to build 12 new accessible tram stops along La Trobe Street this year and is working on upgrading stops on other routes in various neighborhoods.
The construction of the Upfield sky rail and bike path in Brunswick will extend south through the area, bringing changes to the existing infrastructure. The closure of the Upfield bike path may lead to an increase in cyclists using Sydney Road, posing challenges for both cyclists and pedestrians in the area. The development of a proper precinct plan that considers the needs of all users while ensuring economic viability is crucial to address concerns raised by stakeholders. It is essential to find an engineering solution to make the entire route along Sydney Road accessible, similar to what has been done for route 96.
Despite the delays in the Brunswick level crossing removal project, the Victorian government remains committed to removing 110 boom gate crossings by 2030. The complexities of the project, which involves removing eight level crossings on the Upfield line in a tight inner urban area with heritage, environmental, and social considerations, have contributed to the delays. Balancing the needs of Sydney Road’s transport users, traders, and locals is key, but specific details on how this balance will be achieved were not provided by the government spokesperson. The project aims to address accessibility, safety, and efficiency concerns while considering the broader impact on the community.
