As part of our ongoing commitment to make our roads safer for everyone, we're proposing streetscape improvements along Batman Avenue. These improvements will aim to make the street safer and more enjoyable for people to walk and ride, as well as improve the local character of the street.
Project background
Batman Avenue is a residential street in Coburg North between Gaffney and Ryan Streets. The street is used as part of the Upfield trail which runs along the rail corridor
The current design of Batman Avenue requires people walking, riding bikes, and driving motor vehicles to all share the same road space, which is a road safety risk.
To address these road safety risks, council are proposing streetscape improvements to Batman Avenue in the form of a shared zone.
A shared zone is a street where pedestrians, cyclists and motorised traffic share the same road space. However, in a shared zone people driving and riding bikes must give way to pedestrians.
Project Update
Earlier in 2024, Council asked the Community what they thought of the shared zone proposal and what they thought of the preliminary design. Here’s what we heard
- 71 per cent of people supported the proposal (15% very good, 56% good)
- 73 per cent believed the proposal made the street safer for people walking and riding
- Respondents mentioned that the proposal formalises how the street is currently being used and believed it would encourage active transport.
- Respondents wanted more done at the Intersection of Ryan Street and Batman Avenue
- Concerns that removing the ability of people to exit Batman Avenue would increase the traffic on Ross Street at Gaffney Street
While we received broad community support for the initial proposal, we have listened to the feedback of local residents and have made some revisions to the designs.
Revised designs
We’ve created a revised concept plan based off the first round of feedback we heard from the community and investigations as part of the design process.
Alongside the reduced speed and regulatory change we are proposing changes to the streetscape to let people know that this street environment is different than usual.
Based on resident feedback we have removed the restriction of vehicle movements out of Batman Avenue from the design.
Instead, we are proposing no entry into Batman Avenue from Ryan Street.
- This will improve safety for people walking and riding in the shared zone, and remove the blind corner for bicycle exiting the shared zone. We are proposing a kerb outstand that narrows the road just before the intersection
- Effectively makes Batman Avenue One way between Armstrong and Ryan Streets, except for people walking and riding.
- Waste Vehicles and Emergency Services vehicles are excepted.
- All vehicle movements out of Batman Avenue will be maintained, however Council is proposing an AM right turn ban into Batman Avenue due to vehicles queuing over the rail line
- Signs informing drivers of no entry into Batman Avenue at the intersection of Ryan and Ross Streets to prevent drivers from entering Ryan Street.
- The Shared Zones will be paved with a distinct earthy red-coloured asphalt and white line marking, installed in long-life paint.
- These are expected to require little maintenance to keep the zone looking fresh and different from other road areas.
- Shared Zones are required to be obviously district from other road areas as to clearly note the different way road users should behave in the area.
- We will be proposing installing “KEEP CLEAR” line marking to help make it safer for people turning in and out of Ross Street
- Gaffney Street is a Department of Transport and Planning controlled road so any changes will be subject to DTP approval
- Council is proposing Solar Powered lighting in the form of Bollards along the extend of Batman Avenue
- This will improve the space at night for people walking and riding.
- These light bollards have a reduced impact on wildlife than conventional lighting
- The Bollards Proposed are the same as used elsewhere along the Upfield Trail
- Includes graphics installed on road and new signage
- To indicate reduced speed limits when within the shared zone and to improve visibility at the intersection of Batman Avenue and Ryan Street
- To indicate changes to how the road operates, such as the no entry into Batman Avenue from Ryan Street.
Previous Consultation
We asked our community to tell us what you they thought about our proposed design by completing our survey.
This feedback will help us determine the suitability of this design to improve the street for people walking and riding bikes.
The survey closed on Friday 14 June 2024.
Further previous consultation
In March of 2024 we consulted Batman Avenue residents on their experiences and usage of the street. We also asked residents what improvements they would like to see made, noting the potential for a shared zone design.
What we heard from the local community
Batman Avenue locals told us the things they enjoy about Batman Avenue, such as:
- The greenery and the community garden
- That it’s a quiet street and a nice connection to Batman Station
- That people walk and ride bikes and scooters along the street
They also shared some concerns, including:
- Vehicles travelling too fast, and difficulties with two-way traffic due to the narrow street
- Conflicts between different kinds of road users
- Suggestion of making the road one way, and desire for additional traffic control measures at the entrances to Batman Avenue
