What's happened so far?
In December 2015, four options to reduce traffic congestion were presented to Council. The options were tested throughout December 2015 – February 2016 to determine their effectiveness in reducing congestion. Traffic modelling showed the Queuing Lane option addressed congestion for the majority of peak hour, with the exception of 10 minutes between 7 am - 8 am, where traffic will be delayed by approximately eight minutes.
Council Officers have been working with Civil and Traffic Engineer consultants to design a queuing lane in more detail.
Subject to a successful tenderer being able to deliver within a six week timeframe, and budget constraints, the redesigned Beach Street Queuing Lane could be completed this calendar year. Alternatively, the construction could commence in May 2017 to accommodate the cruise ship season.
Where to next?
On 28 June 2016, Council will make a decision on the refined design of the Beach Street Queuing Lane. Subject to Council endorsement, a public tender process for construction will be undertaken. The revised Queuing Lane design will be made available following the Council meeting. The scope of works will include:
- Creating a Station Pier lane along Beach Street from Bay Street to the roundabout that will hold queuing traffic at cruise ship times
- Utilising the existing pavement space on the foreshore side of Beach Street by altering most of the angle parking to become parallel parking, to make room for the Station Pier lane
- Adding a lane to the roundabout to create a lane that goes straight through to Station Pier and a one right turn lane, effectively removing congestion from the roundabout
- Creating an on-road bike lane in both directions on Beach Street
The Council Report is available to view on Council's website at www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/june-2016-meetingsagendas.htm.
For more information, please go to www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/queuing-lane.htm.