The project is progressing to replace the steps at Gipps St with an elevated path
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Gipps Street Elevated Path
Community Update | August 2024
Welcome to the Community Update for the Gipps Street Elevated Path Project. Continue reading to learn about the progress so far, and the traffic and pedestrian detours in place.
Project overview
The Main Yarra Trail, located on Wurundjeri Country, is one of Melbourne's most iconic routes following the Birrarung Yarra River from the north-eastern suburbs to the city. The new elevated path will improve how cyclists, pedestrians with prams and people with all abilities can continue their journey along the Main Yarra Trail.
The progress so far
The contractor MACA has now been working onsite for over twelve months. The timeline for completing the project has been affected by unexpected sub-surface conditions and discoveries during foundation works. The revised timeline for completion is late 2024, subject to statutory permits and approvals, and on ground and construction industry conditions.
The foundation works are complete on the north side of Collins Bridge, and are well underway on the south side of the bridge.
Above: Works on the Main Yarra Trail looking towards Collins Bridge
The contractor is currently fabricating the steel components for the elevated path offsite. These structures will arrive onsite for installation and access to Collins Bridge and Gipps Street will be impacted during delivery and assembly.
The final stage of the project will involve landscaping works to restore native vegetation on the embankment and construction of new infrastructure to revitalise the Gipps Street entry.
Above: The old steps have been demolished and foundation works are complete on the north side.
Demolition of the old steps
The outdated steps at Gipps Street are now a thing of the past, with demolition taking place early in the construction period.
Some unexpected finds
As happens in many major projects, the project team has made some unexpected finds. A large tree trunk was discovered buried underneath The Salvation Army and previously unmapped drainage systems have been discovered and managed in consultation with Yarra City Council and Melbourne Water.
Detours and traffic management
Detours for pedestrians and cyclists have been in place since the beginning of construction. The detours follow a traffic management plan that has been approved by Yarra City Council. You can find a detour maps on the Parks Victoria website.
Collins Bridge temporary closure
Heavy steel components will be delivered in the coming weeks, in preparation for installation of the Gipps Street Ramp structure on the north side of Collins Bridge.
As there are no other viable access points for delivery, during crane lifting operations Collins Bridge must be temporarily closed to ensure lifting of the steel components over the bridge is conducted in a safe manner.
Parks Victoria have been working with City of Yarra in planning for the bridge closures, and required detours. Please see below for the detour map.
- The closures of Collins Bridge are to occur intermittently from 26th August to early September, subject to weather conditions.
- Closures will occur Monday to Friday between 9am to 4pm (open at all other times and on non-lift days)
- Closures may take up to 1 hour. An approved detour route and traffic controllers will be in place to re-direct pedestrians and cyclists.
- Closures will be minimised during peak AM and PM times when in place
- Access will be restored between lifts as soon as practical. Access will be granted while lifts are not occurring and managed through traffic controllers
Salvos store open
The Salvation Army Store in Abbotsford is open and accepting donations. Traffic management staff are happy to direct you to the donation drop off area, and please follow any onsite signage. Parks Victoria appreciates the support of The Salvation Army Store staff and local community.
Safety and environment
Parks Victoria has worked with the contractor to ensure the site is safe for workers and commuters. We have implemented environmental controls such as tree protection zones, specialised fencing, water barriers and traffic controllers in accordance with planning and environmental permits for the project.
Noise and dust management
We are constantly monitoring dust and noise to ensure minimal impacts on neighbours and the local community.
Wildlife management
As vegetation and trees have been removed from the site, there has been a wildlife handler in place to ensure local fauna are able to relocate safely to new homes nearby, away from the project site.
Protecting existing infrastructure
Designs are being revised to adapt to unexpected sub-surface conditions and to ensure existing infrastructure, such as the Collins Bridge, underground assets and main bluestone drain, are not impacted.
Cultural Heritage
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage inductions have taken place with Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, which the Registered Aboriginal Party for the Country on which the project is being built
Monitoring Systems
As vegetation clearing and embankment stabilisation works have progressed, monitoring points have been established and are being continually observed to ensure natural landscape contours are retained while ensuring safe access.
Stay up to date
For more information on the project please visit the Parks Victoria website. You can also contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or email engage@parks.vic.gov.au.
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Parks Victoria, Level 10, 535 Bourke St,
Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia,
Phone 13 1963
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