Construction has begun on the state government’s new 2.5 kilometre cycling highway over Footscray as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project.
The first segment of the new veloway has been lifted into place, with the track set to be completely separated from traffic and suspended between Footscray Road and the new elevated road above.
Running between Shepherd Bridge in Footscray and the city side of Moonee Ponds Creek, the state government said 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.
The cycling highway will contain two lanes, four-metres wide, and will be part of more than 14-kilometres of new and upgraded paths.
The state government said 195 individual segments will be individually lifted to form the veloway’s suspended section and will weigh a total of 1700 tonnes once complete.
Closures along various lanes, walking and cycling paths Footscray Road will continue to allow for works to complete.
There will be lane closures on Footscray Road in both directions between Shepherd Bridge and Waterfront Way until late August, along with a continuous citybound closure from Dock Link Road to Appleton Dock Road for two weeks from late August.
Footscray MP Katie Hall said, “The West Gate Tunnel Project will completely change the way we move around Melbourne’s west for the better and we thank people for their continued patience while we get on with these vital works.”
