Cyclists in Melbourne’s west now have a quicker and safer trip into the city following the opening of a new 2.5 kilometre veloway linking Footscray to Moonee Ponds Creek. The elevated route, part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, removes six intersections and several busy port access points, giving cyclists a protected off road run straight toward the CBD.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams announced the opening during VeloDay celebrations, joined by Australian cycling legend Cadel Evans and students from Footscray City Primary School.
The veloway will be known as the Dixon Veloway in honour of Victorian cyclist and Australian Hall of Fame inductee Iris Dixon.
Suspended above traffic, the structure is made up of 195 individually lifted segments and weighs 1,700 tonnes. The two lane path is four metres wide and includes lighting, CCTV, alarmed exits and access for emergency vehicles. It has been designed to feel safe and intuitive for riders of all ages and abilities.
The new link adds momentum to a broader rollout of cycling upgrades in Melbourne’s west. More than 14 kilometres of new and improved paths are set to open by year’s end, including the final missing pieces of the Federation Trail between Fogarty Avenue and Hyde Street in Yarraville. A new bike park is also close to completion under CityLink near Moonee Ponds Creek, offering skate and BMX tracks for a range of skill levels.
The West Gate Tunnel Project aims to ease pressure on the West Gate Bridge, reduce congestion and remove 9,000 trucks from local roads each day.
Minister Williams said, “The veloway has been built with cyclist safety front and centre taking out six intersections between Footscray and Docklands to give riders a clearer, safer run.”
She added, “The West Gate Tunnel Project will change the way people move across Melbourne’s west and take 9,000 trucks off local roads.”
