Car-free ‘superblocks’ proposed to help fight congestion in Melbourne CBD

CAR-free “superblocks” spanning several streets in Melbourne’s CBD have been proposed as a solution to a looming pedestrian crush, following a similar move in one major European city.

CAR-free “superblocks” spanning several streets in Melbourne’s CBD have been proposed as a solution to a looming pedestrian crush.

City of Melbourne has put forward the idea — implemented in Barcelona — amid concern overcrowding will compromise safety in the city. It could also help prevent vehicular attacks.

A 30kmh go-slow in the Hoddle Grid and Docklands, reduced pedestrian wait times at traffic lights and removing unnecessary clutter from footpaths are also touted.

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The council warns the daily population of the CBD will surge 50 per cent in 20 years.

The municipality already tops the state for crashes involving pedestrians, with one person killed and 31 injured in the past five years.

Superblocks stretch across nine city blocks in Barcelona, which has a uniform street grid similar to Melbourne’s Hoddle Grid.

Cars and public transport are confined to the superblock’s perimeter, with streets within transformed into shared thoroughfares for walking and cycling.

Some vehicle access is allowed for deliveries and residents but speed is restricted to 10km/h.

Melbourne City Council discussion documents — to be released today — warn that dangerous pedestrian overcrowding, congestion-choked roads and a crippled public transport system could become reality without ways to handle the fast-growing commuter population, which is forecast to reach 1.4 million a day by 2036.

“Overcrowding on footpaths poses a serious threat to pedestrian safety,” Transport portfolio chair Nicolas Frances Gilley told the Herald Sun.

“Allocating the majority of space to cars when most people walk or take public transport is not sustainable.

“Every hour during the morning peak, 15,000 pedestrians cross the Spencer and Collins street intersection outside Southern Cross station, which is five times the number of people in cars, yet cars are given twice the amount of time as pedestrians to pass through.”

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The discussion papers, released as the council develops a new transport strategy, state reduced access for private vehicles in the CBD would have the added benefit of reducing the risk of vehicle attacks.

The papers state changes to street design would be needed if a 30kmh speed limit was introduced. Removing traffic lanes, widening footpaths and car-free zones at pedestrian hot spots are also proposed.

RACV mobility advocacy manager Dave Jones said the organisation had “strong reservations” about the superblocks concept — believing it could worsen congestion and frustrate cyclists and drivers.

“A permeable grid in the city centre is much more friendly for all road users, assisting direction finding, reducing the time spent circ­ulating in traffic and the distance to be driven,” he said.

Removing footpath clutter and traffic signal changes should be implemented as “low-hanging fruit” but kerbside parking only converted for wider footpaths and bicycle lanes if alternatives failed, Mr Jones said.

Feedback can be provided to City of Melbourne at participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/transportstrategy

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