Cyclists diverted around Jewell station by VicTrack development

Bikes on a popular route in Melbourne’s north will be forced through a narrow opening due to development. And the crush could last for years.

Two cyclists navigate the narrow rail crossing. Picture: Hamish Blair

Thousands of cyclists on the Upfield bike path could be diverted through a narrow rail crossing until 2021 due to construction work in Brunswick.

The diversion was put in place on May 24 due to the works at Jewell railway station in Brunswick and will push cyclists onto nearby Watson St.

The diversion is in place for an unknown period of time. Picture: Hamish Blair

Figures from the State Government released in 2018 show the path is used by 2500 cyclists each day.

The construction work, undertaken by developer Neometro and State Government agency VicTrack, promises to install bike-friendly facilities to the station, such as new racks and ramps, and will continue until 2021.

The path is popular during weekday commutes. Picture: Hamish Blair

When asked by the Leader, VicTrack spokeswoman Jo Mayall couldn’t confirm whether the diversion would stay during the entire construction or be cleared up earlier.

“Our aim is to open the upgraded path to cyclists as soon as we can,” she said.

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Brunswick Greens MP Tim Read said the diversion would have been the perfect time to trial a bike-only lane on nearby Sydney Rd.

“Threading (cyclists) back and forth over the tracks is unsafe and unwise,” he said.