The state government has insisted the soon to open West Gate Tunnel Veloway will make cycling from the western suburbs to the city easier and safer, despite criticism that it will be difficult for bike riders to access.
The vice president of cycling advocacy group Bike West, Pierre Vairo, last week told the Star Weekly there was no safe way for cyclists from the western suburbs to get onto the 2.5km veloway.
“It’s like opening a brand new freeway but forgetting to build the on ramps,” Mr Vairo said.
A spokesperson for the state government said the point of the elevated bike path was to get cyclists off Footscray Road.
“The 2.5 kilometre veloway will significantly improve safety for cyclists on Footscray Road, removing the need to cross six busy intersections,” the spokesperson said.
The veloway is expected to open by the end of this year, as is the West Gate Tunnel project it is a part of.
Three timber net structures at the tunnel’s entry and exit points were recently completed, while more lane and road closures will take place from mid-July as the project’s finishing touches are applied.
From July 13 until mid-August, the West Gate Freeway outbound will be reduced to three lanes between Williamstown Road and Millers Road, so cladding can be installed on the southern tunnel exit.
From mid-August to late-August, the freeway will remain reduced to three lanes between the Williamstown Road entry ramp and Millers Road, as drainage, kerbing and barriers are installed.
Outbound entry ramps on Williamstown Road , Millers Road and Grieve Parade will also be closed during the same period, with Grieve Parade only accessible via the Millers Road outbound entry ramp.
Details: bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions.
