Melbourne is getting its first Dutch-style protected intersection for cyclists
The Victorian government has announced that the state’s first-ever protected intersection will be built at the corner of Albert Street and Landsdowne Street in Melbourne’s inner east.
The intersection will feature a continuous separated path for cyclists who are approaching, riding through, and exiting the intersection. New kerb islands on each corner will protect riders from passing and turning vehicles, and the intersection’s layout will ensure that cyclists and pedestrians are more easily visible to drivers. Traffic lights will be adjusted to give cyclists a headstart on other vehicles, as seen elsewhere around Melbourne.
This project is part of a $3.25 million package of infrastructure upgrades set for the Melbourne CBD, designed to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety. Victoria’s Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC, Jaala Pulford, said the new intersection will hopefully improve what is one of Melbourne’s popular routes for commuter cyclists.
“Cyclists have told us that competing with cars and trucks can be dangerous and stressful and that’s why we’re investing in these important safety upgrades,” she said. “Boosting safety at one of our busiest intersections will encourage more people to get on a bike more often and keep active.”
Other cycling infrastructure improvements are in the works, including: a protected bike lane at the intersection of Albert Street and Gisborne Street; a separated bike lane on Albert Street between Gisborne Street and Lansdowne Street; and a separated bike lane on Lansdowne Street between Victoria Parade and Albert Street.
Albert Street has become something of a focal point for recent efforts to improve cyclist safety in Melbourne. This latest announcement comes less than two months after the City of Melbourne officially revealed that a “Green Wave” had been set up on Albert Street, to give priority to cyclists and to improve rider safety.
Upgrades to the Albert Street and Landsdowne Stret intersection are expected to be complete by mid-2020.
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