Transport think thank floats dedicated lanes to fix congestion on Sydney Rd

Speed limits along Sydney Rd would be lowered to 30km/h and cars, bikes and trams divided into separate lanes under an ambitious proposal to improve the bustling corridor.

Speed limits along Sydney Rd would be lowered to 30km/h while cars, bikes and trams would be divided into separate lanes under an ambitious proposal to improve the bustling corridor.

The Institute for Sensible Transport will today release it’s Re-imagining Sydney Road report in a bid to improve one of the city’s peak-hour pressure points.

RADICAL PLAN TO SOLVE SYDNEY RD TRAFFIC WOES

MAN HURT IN SYDNEY RD TRAM, CAR, TRUCK CRASH

THE ROAD WHERE TOW TRUCKS DO A ROARING TRADE

Director of transport innovation Dr Elliot Fishman said separating the three modes of transport into dedicated lanes between Brunswick Rd and Bell St would create a low-cost solution to the area’s traffic woes.

“It is about reducing frustration for motor vehicles so they don’t have to get stuck behind a tram,” he said.

“At the moment the speeds of cars are being brought down to crawling pace while tram speeds during peak hour are down to just 7km/h.

“When you remove street parking and give cyclists, cars and trams their own corridors there’s greater certainty and greater satisfaction.

Institute for Sensible Transport renders for their proposal for Sydney Rd. Picture: Supplied.

Dr Fishman said Sydney Rd was currently a hot spot for bicycle accidents and more needed to be done to improve safety outcomes.

“Under this proposal there’s a dedicated 1m lane for cyclists that will also reduce on street clutter by removing spaces taken up by parked cars,” he said.

“We’ve also proposed lowing the speed down to 30km/h because this currently reflects the travel speeds already being accomplished there.

“It is only well outside of peak time when people travel faster than that along Sydney Rd anyway.

“By introducing this speed limit you improve safety outcomes and increase amenity for pedestrians.”

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