A plan to improve cycling and pedestrian safety has been cast aside as contractors prepare to undertake urgent repair works on Shepherd Bridge.
VicRoads has awarded a $4.15 million contract for rehabilitation works on the Footscray bridge, including road resurfacing, structural maintenance, cleaning and repainting.
But documents released to the Greens under freedom-of-information laws show the works fall short of the recommended fix outlined in an internal VicRoads report.
The preferred $13.5 million option includes strengthening and rehabilitating the bridge, moving light poles and removing the north path to widen the existing shared path on the south side to 4.3 metres.
“There’s a significant strategic opportunity to improve the bicycle priority at this key location approaching Footscray in order to more efficiently bring people into the centre of Footscray and the CBD and reduce the impact of traffic congestion on the road,” the report states.
VicRoads ranks the issue the most urgent bicycle project in the region, with more than 1300 cyclists using the route daily.
An expert report provided to VicRoads found a considerable risk of head-on collisions on the bridge and that the old and rusting railings may not be able to contain an impact from a fast car or large truck.
The road safety audit also deemed existing bridge railings “a snagging hazard for handle bars and pedals”.
Roads Minister Terry Mulder’s office declined to comment on the minister’s role in the decision, referring questions to VicRoads.
VicRoads regional director Patricia Liew said the rehabilitation works would provide safe access between Melbourne’s west, the Port of Melbourne and the CBD. “Any proposals to improve cycling facilities at this location will be considered with other priorities in a future program.”
Footscray cyclist Andrew Turner said he avoids using Shepherd Bridge where possible.
“It really is unpleasant, especially when you are riding towards the city and there are trucks travelling at 70km/hr right beside you,” he said.
“It’s not a wide path, yet they are funnelling everyone along it.”
Western suburbs Greens MP Colleen Hartland said cyclists are being put in danger because the government won’t commit to fixing the shared path.
“This notoriously dangerous bridge is a major disincentive to those wanting to ride a bike. We should be encouraging cycling for its benefits to our health and hip pocket, as well as taking traffic off our roads,” she said.
“The government should accept VicRoads proposal to fix the bridge’s bike path and get on with the job.
“I’ll be ensuring that fixing this critical bike path remains on the agenda, and in the spotlight, in this important election year through my Bike West community campaign.”
