Designated bike lane unveiled

The long-awaited council bike-lane plan for Princes Bridge was unveiled last month, with the most drastic changes happening northbound, on the Southbank side of the bridge.

The north-side will be reduced to one vehicle lane and have a full bike lane incorporated. The existing split path will become a full-time footpath.

The decision has raised concerns that the already-congested St Kilda Rd city-bound traffic at peak hour will become diabolical.

The southern side of the bridge will continue with two motor vehicle lanes and the shared path between foot traffic and cyclists.

The northbound bike lane is being installed on a trial basis.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle was defiant, saying the north-side bike lane plan had addressed all modes of transport.

“Increases in population and visitation are creating a busier and more congested city. Princes Bridge in particular is a key transport interchange for people travelling in and out of Melbourne,” Mr Doyle said.

“You only need to observe Princes Bridge for a short period to spot the pinch points created by the high level of congestion in this area. There are 30,000 pedestrians and tens of thousands of bikes, trams and cars that travel along Princes Bridge every day,” he added.

“More than 80 per cent of these pedestrians are using the Flinders Street Station side of the intersection, which makes it essential that we address the configuration of the northbound traffic to improve safety and flow.”

Councillor Cathy Oke said the plan would not impact the number of cars travelling across Princes Bridge northbound.

“While these works will provide one traffic lane for motor vehicles travelling north on the bridge there will be two right turning traffic lanes and one left turning lane adjacent to Flinders Street Station, allowing the same number of cars to get through the lights,” Cr Oke said.

Construction on the bike lane has begun and, to ensure minimal hindrance, is being carried out at night.

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