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 community feedback gathered during a consultation period and hearing of submissions.

58 per cent of the 449 people who provided feedback on the trial were in support of the proposed road closure.

What happens next

The 12-month trial is planned to begin during school holidays in December 2024/January 2025, with the installation of trial bollards to mark the closure.

This timing will allow local traffic to adjust to the new arrangement before local students return to the nearby schools in 2025.

During the 12-month trial, we will monitor the site, and gather relevant traffic data and further community feedback.

These findings will help us assess whether a permanent closure is appropriate for this location.

This 2-stage process has worked well in the recent past, allowing Council officers and the community to evaluate the real-life impacts and benefits of a trial road closure before a decision is made to make it permanent.

Exact dates for installation of the trial infrastructure are yet to be determined. We will be in touch with the local community prior to any works.

We thank you for your involvement and interest in this project.