Changing the way our streets operate can create safer and more efficient street experience for all road users. Sometimes, that includes limiting through-access for motor vehicles and opening up the street for use via other modes of transport and local residents.
Trial road closure
We've installed a trial road closure on Barrow Street, Coburg, south of Harding Street. During this trial, bollards have been installed on Barrow Street south of the intersection with Harding Street to prevent motor vehicle traffic from passing through.
The trial was commenced during school holidays in December 2024/January 2025, with the installation of trial bollards to mark the closure. Over the following 12 months, we monitored the site and gathered relevant traffic data and further community feedback.
Trial extension
At the Council meeting on 13 May 2026, Council resolved to continue the Barrow Street road closure trial for a further 12 months.
This extension will allow further development and community engagement on the Harding Street Streets for People concept design, with a focus on addressing the impacts of the trial on surrounding streets.
Council also resolved to implement safety modifications at the Coburg Street/Sheffield Street intersection. In addition, Council will undertake traffic counts at the narrower southern end of Coburg Street, alongside other parts of Coburg Street, and assess whether further traffic calming measures are needed.
The trial so far
Traffic counts from before the trial (March 2024) and after the trial (March 2026) show a significant reduction in traffic on Barrow Street. Vehicle speeds have generally decreased in the area, supporting safer conditions in many locations. However, Council has also identified some areas requiring further attention and will continue monitoring and responding to safety issues during the extended trial.
Traffic volumes have increased on some surrounding local streets, particularly Coburg Street and Patterson Street. While recorded volumes remain below the typical local street capacity of 3,000 vehicles per day, Council recognises community concerns about the impacts of these changes and will continue to assess and respond to these issues during the extended trial.
Barrow Street is an important local walking and biking link, connecting many local destinations that are significant for our local community, and forms part of the East Brunswick Shimmy bike route.
It is also a key walking and biking link for local school students from Coburg High and Primary Schools, Antonine College and Merri-bek Primary School. The closure is also expected to significantly enhance the comfort, safety and amenity of the streets surrounding the nearby St Bernard’s Catholic Primary School.
This trial closure is expected to create a safer road environment for our most vulnerable road users such as these school children, pedestrians and people riding bikes by reducing vehicle volumes and speeds, while maintaining local access for residents to enjoy a quieter and safer street environment.
The trial closure is expected to have minimal impact on motor vehicle traffic in the area, with many available alternative routes for drivers.
Road closures are carefully considered to ensure that they create the safest on-road experience and have the greatest possible community benefit.
Installing the infrastructure as a trial is part of the rigorous standards required by the Local Government Act for road closures. A trial also allows us to evaluate the infrastructure for suitability and any changes that can be made to improve the site in the event the closure is made permanent.
In May 2024, we asked our community what they thought of the proposed closure of Barrow Street. Community members were able to provide feedback through a survey and a hearing of submissions.
58 per cent of the 449 people who provided feedback on the trial were in support of the proposed road closure.
At the Council Meeting on Wednesday 10 July, Council decided to proceed with the trial road closure on Barrow Street, south of Harding Street, Coburg.
This decision was made based on analysis of traffic data, recommendations from the Department of Transport, and the community feedback gathered.
What happens next
Following further monitoring, community engagement, and design work during the extended trial, Council officers will report back to Council with a recommendation on whether the Barrow Street road closure should be made permanent in 2027.
Any decision to progress a permanent closure would be subject to the required statutory process.
