MARIBYRNONG cyclists pushing for long-awaited improvements to Shepherd Bridge say a half-million-dollar upgrade is a waste of money.
Between February and April, the state government spent $475,000 to improve the busy stretch of Footscray Road, from the Maribyrnong River to Docklands Drive, for pedestrians and cyclists.
Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the project would improve safety and efficiency for cyclists and pedestrians accessing the CBD from outer suburbs.
But cyclists say the “mismanaged” project has done nothing to fix long-running safety concerns.
Footscray resident Chris Harris said the ride into the city was more dangerous than ever.
“They’ve spent half a million dollars on things like putting in lights, but it’s all cosmetic.
“On the one hand we’ve got the government saying they have no money for cycling and on the other they can spend half a million dollars doing nothing. It’s a bit bizarre.”
Road upgrades included widening and reconstructing parts of the existing path under CityLink, and installing street lighting and line marking.
Mr Harris said the new line marking created even more confusion as it steered cyclists into poles. “It’s so narrow, the bridge just doesn’t work. It needs to be of sufficient width and separated from traffic.”
In recent years, truck traffic has increased on Shepherd Bridge, just as the number of cyclists taking the route into the city has exploded.
Mr Harris sees this as a recipe for disaster.
“People feel very strongly about Shepherd Bridge. It’s a real pressure point; it’s the main bike route into the city from the west.
“The frustrating thing is they are putting lives at risk.”
VicRoads has drawn up plans for improved bicycle access, but the government’s decision to shelve the Truck Action Plan has put a cloud over the project.
The government is already under fire from cycling advocates over a decision to slash all spending on cycling infrastructure projects for the year ahead.
VicRoads regional director Patricia Liew defended the works, which were carried out in consultation with the City of Melbourne, Bicycle Victoria, Victorian Transport Association and the Transport Workers Union.
“The upgrade on Footscray Road will provide increased safety, capacity and priority for cyclists and pedestrians,” she said.
“VicRoads ensures cycling infrastructure is considered as part of every road and transport project.”
VicRoads is investigating further improvements at signalised Footscray Road intersections.
