The delay in the Upfield sky rail project in Brunswick has provided an opportunity to prioritize making the route more accessible for all users, including those with limited mobility. Many stakeholders, including business owners, disability advocates, and cyclists, have expressed concerns about the impact of proposed changes on Sydney Road. The closure of the Upfield bike path could potentially push more cyclists onto Sydney Road, increasing safety concerns. Disability advocate Martin Leckey highlighted the importance of making tram stops along Sydney Road accessible for people with mobility issues, pointing to the success of similar infrastructure improvements on route 96.
Victoria is legally bound to make all of Melbourne’s tram stops accessible by the end of 2022, but progress has been slow with only 458 stops upgraded by last June. The Department of Transport and Planning has plans to build new accessible tram stops along La Trobe Street and upgrade stops on route 86 and High Street. The lack of accessible tram stops on Sydney Road has been a major concern for disability advocates, and there is a call for a comprehensive precinct plan that balances the needs of all users while ensuring the economic viability of businesses in the area. It is clear that improvements are needed to make Sydney Road a more inclusive and accessible space for everyone.
The Upfield sky rail project in Brunswick will involve the closure of the Upfield bike path and the construction of protected bike lanes and accessible tram stops. Business owners are concerned about the impact of these changes on the strip and potential loss of on-street parking. Troy Stuchbree, the manager of the Sydney Road Brunswick Association, emphasized the importance of developing a proper precinct plan to ensure that the area can evolve while remaining economically viable. The closure of the Upfield bike path could also lead to increased cyclist traffic on Sydney Road, highlighting the need for safer infrastructure for all users.
The state government spokesperson acknowledged the complexity of the Brunswick level crossing removal project, which involves removing eight level crossings along the Upfield line. The project is still on track to meet its goal of removing 110 boom gate crossings by 2030, despite delays in the Brunswick works. Balancing the needs of transport users, traders, and locals is crucial, and the government is working on plans to address concerns raised by stakeholders. The spokesperson did not provide specific details on how these needs would be balanced, but it is clear that accessibility and safety improvements are needed to ensure the success of the Upfield sky rail project in Brunswick.
Overall, the delay in the Upfield sky rail project has provided an opportunity to prioritize accessibility improvements along Sydney Road, including the construction of protected bike lanes and accessible tram stops. Stakeholders have raised concerns about the impact of proposed changes on businesses, cyclists, and people with mobility issues. The slow progress in making Melbourne’s tram stops accessible highlights the need for continued investment in infrastructure improvements. While the Brunswick level crossing removal project is complex, it is essential to balance the needs of all users in the area to create a more inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.
