Swan St bridge works set for December 2017 completion

MORE than 30,000 cars, 1000 pedestrians and 1000 cyclists crawl through this Melbourne bottleneck every day. So when will VicRoads reopen the Swan St bridge and unblock the traffic jams?

ONE of Melbourne’s most frustrating road projects is on track for completion by the end of this year, VicRoads says.

The Swan St bridge has long been a major pinch point into the city and the main access point to the arts and sporting precincts.

More than 30,000 cars, 1000 pedestrians and 1000 cyclists use the bridge each day.

During major sporting events 1300 people an hour cross the Swan St bridge.

When finished, the bridge will become five lanes, with an additional lane for eastbound traffic towards Richmond.

Works started on the $30 million project in late March and caused long delays and headaches for motorists ever since.

The new bridge is expected to shave about five minutes off journey times.

The first part of construction saw each section of the existing bridge removed by a 150-tonne crane floating on a river barge below.

Demolition of the outer north side is almost complete.

VicRoads said the works on the Swan St Bridge will be completed by the end of the year. Picture: Mark Stewart

As VicRoads can’t physically widen the bridge, it says it is creating the extra eastbound lane by better use of the existing space.

When finished, two four-metre wide pedestrian and cycle paths will be cantilevered off the sides of the bridge.

A new pedestrian crossing on the Alexandra Avenue side of the bridge will also be built to allow for safer access to surrounding trails and parks.

Project director Damien Afxentis thanked drivers for their patience.

“We’re upgrading Melbourne’s iconic Swan Street Bridge to help reduce congestion, and improve safety and travel times for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists,” he said.

“While these important works are underway, we’re encouraging drivers to plan ahead, allow for extra travel time and consider alternative routes or public transport.”

Signage with real-time traffic information is available on routes around the bridge to help drivers plan their journey.

Access to the bridge will be maintained for major sports and entertainment events.

This weekend will see Batman Avenue inbound lanes closed from 10pm Saturday until 10am Sunday to allow for the first of 18 permanent concrete beams to be installed.

VicRoads says the beams will help strengthen the bridge so it can hold more weight.

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@AndyJeffo