Bridge revamp

By Mindy Gill

VicRoads presented at a forum at the Malthouse Theatre last month to bring local residents up to speed with the widening of the Swan St Bridge.

Hosted by the Southbank Residents Association (SRA) on June 15, the forum discussed the State Government’s $30 million upgrade to the bridge, which is set to reduce congestion and improve safety in Southbank once completed in 2017.

The project will include an additional traffic lane and two new separate shared paths for cyclists and pedestrians on both sides of the road.

SRA president Tony Penna said that the current design created heavy congestion on Alexandra Ave leading onto City Rd, and was also unsafe for Southbank residents, pedestrians and bike riders.

“People inadvertently drive down the right hand lane because the left hand lane gets congested, not realising that it’s a toll lane,” he said. “It creates road rage. It’s innocent. You’ve got no choice but to push in.”

The upgrade will include a facelift to improve the look of the bridge and surrounding area, with designs including lighting, viewing platforms and unique architectural features.

“We were very impressed and very happy with the thought they’d put into the whole project,” Mr Penna said.

The project is aimed to be completed by late 2017 and will also provide greater access to Melbourne’s sport and entertainment precinct.