Work has commenced on the permanent installation of the shared zone at Victoria Street and Elesbury Avenue near Fleming Park in Brunswick East.

These works are scheduled to take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete.

Following the completion of these works, work will move on to the Albert Street section of this project.

The entirety of the works is scheduled to be completed by 30 September 2025. Timelines for the works may be subject to change depending on weather and ground conditions.

What works are being done?

Our final design choices for the shared zones have been informed by community consultation, which took place in August and November 2024. This engagement helped us update our designs and some changes to our plans are explained below.

Works to make the zones permanent will include:

• Installing a new red asphalt pavement surface on the full-length of the Shared Zones. The new surface will feature tiled road pattern and mural designed by a local artist

• Reducing the length of the Victoria Street Shared Zone from the west end at 81 Victoria Street to focus on the main crossing area at Elesbury Avenue and the east end of Fleming Park

• Replacing the temporary tree planter boxes with in-road tree pits and landscaping

• Upgrading the key entry points for people walking into the Shared Zones at Elesbury Avenue and the east end of Fleming Park

• Installing speed humps to slow traffic either side of the main pedestrian crossing location at Elesbury Avenue as well as at 81 Victoria Street. We are also working with the Department of Transport to permanently lower the speed limit within the Shared Zones to 20km/h. This will continue to make the zone safe for all people who use them

• Installing ramps from the footpath into the shared zone area. These new, wide ramps will improve safety and accessibility for people walking in the zone and on the footpath creating a safe on-road environment for everyone

• Installing bollards along the footpath, behind the new ramps, to protect people walking on the footpath (but fewer than originally proposed, refer to plans for locations)

• Low-level landscaping (rather than trees) in Elesbury Avenue and in front of 75A Victoria Street

• Reinstating a car parking space opposite 81 Victoria Street

• Removing two parking spaces from the intersection of Victoria Street and Elesbury Avenue, one in front of 71A Victoria Street, and the other alongside the park between the existing ramps.

Access changes

These works will have some impact on traffic flow in this area.

During regular work hours for the larger road, footpath and drainage works, traffic controllers will be onsite to oversee the following:

• Victoria Street and the south end of Elesbury Ave will be closed to traffic (pedestrian access between Elesbury Avenue and Fleming Park will be maintained, cyclists will need to dismount).
• Regular traffic detour will be at Cross Street (west side) and Aintree Street (east side). Elesbury Ave vehicle access will be from Blyth Street.
• Vehicle and pedestrian access to all properties is expected to be available at all times during construction.

After workers pack up each day, Victoria Street and Elesbury Ave will be reopened to traffic.

We anticipate that people riding bikes along the Brunswick East Shimmy will be able to continue using the route at all times without lengthy detours, although may be required to dismount and use the pedestrian access around the works.