We try wherever possible to protect trees in Merri-bek. For this project, a central objective is to create a new accessible footpath on the south side of Stewart Street, between Nicholson Street and Ryan Street. In order to achieve this, we will need to remove a number of trees and shrubs because of the significant level difference between the road-way and the Cretan Brotherhood car park.

We will be planting many new trees and plants in this area to more than replace those which we will lose. The landscape will include more layered planting and tree species which are more appropriate for the location under the power lines.

Removing seven car bays on Stewart Street, and two on Roberts Street will ensure better pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle visibility and movement. Removal of the carparks will also make space for the raised threshold wrapping the Stewart St and Roberts St corner and for the relocated public bus stop.

Where are these carparks currently located?

On Stewart St:

• 1 bay - in front of #199 Stewart St (closest bay to the corner of Kingfisher gardens)
• 1 bay - in front of #225
• 4 bays - in front of #269 Stewart St
• 1 bay - in front of #256 Stewart St (closest bay to the corner of Roberts St)

On Roberts St:

• 2 bays - to the side of #256 Stewart Street (closest bays to the corner of Stewart Street)

The 503 bus comes all the way from Essendon Station to CERES. Public transport is essential for vulnerable and elderly communities, and Council supports the continuation of this service. It is important that the public bus stop is close to the CERES entry, so that everyone can easily access the Community Park. The bus does not stop frequently at CERES, but we know that some patrons really rely on it.

Buses can't safely turn left from Nicholson Street into Blyth Street. The intersection corner is too tight for them, so this is not a viable alternate route.

Making Stewart Street a one-way street, or single lane with yielding traffic would create congestion in surrounding streets, particularly at the Nicholson/Blyth Street intersection. Accessing Stewart Street would also be difficult for visitors to CERES, and it would be inconvenient for residents of Stewart and Roberts Street.

The Final Concept Plan includes extensive traffic calming treatments that will make Stewart and Roberts Street safer for pedestrians and cyclists, such as road markings and raised pedestrian crossings, as well as improved visibility and footpath accessibility.

It would not be safe for pedestrians to make Stewart Street a shared zone. We investigated the opportunity to include a shared zone at the corner of Stewart Street and Roberts Street with help from traffic experts. They advised that this corner was not a suitable location for a shared zone as the following Australian Road Guide requirements were not met:

• In Stewart Street vehicle traffic outstrips pedestrian movements by more than double. (Shared zones are only suited to low vehicle traffic streets, where its already safe for pedestrians to walk on the roadway)
• There is a lot of cross traffic coming in and out of the CERES entry and #269 development. These complex manoeuvres make this tight 90 degree corner an inappropriate and unsafe location for a shared zone
• Heavy vehicles including the public bus, and charter buses and trucks accessing CERES would be a risk to vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.
• Shared zones must be reduced to 10-20km/hr. A reduction to 10/20km/hr at this location would cause congestion and considerable impacts on through traffic including local residents and CERES visitors. The State Government Department of Transport and Planning, who have the authority to approve shared zones, has indicated that this speed reduction would not be supported for this location

The traffic calming measures included in the final plan will help to slow traffic and improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, whilst still retaining critical access to CERES and residential properties.

Currently the speed limit on Stewart Street is 40km/hr which is standard for local roads. The addition of traffic calming measures will make it more likely that drivers adhere to this speed limit. Feedback through the consultation process indicates that there is desire for further speed reductions to Stewart Street. In response, Council is advocating to the State Government Department of Transport and Planning for a 30km/h trial to be considered.

The feedback showed there was some interest in restricting access in Stewart Street to local traffic only, or introducing turn bans at peak times.

Council does not support installing "local traffic only" signage as this is not enforceable. In addition turn bans would have significant impact on local residents, CERES visitors and the broader community.

It’s expected that traffic calming measures included in the upgrade works will help to reduce vehicle traffic and the effectiveness of the works will be monitored.

Speed bumps are not compatible with buses. Small speed cushions which can be bus compatible, can lead to poor driver behaviour with motorists driving around the cushions onto the other side of the road. The raised crossing at the corner of Roberts and Stewart Street will have a similar impact as a speed hump and encourage drivers to slow down.

Strips of coloured paving in the roadway were considered as a visual cue to slow traffic, but there was concern that these could be confused with pedestrian crossings, and negatively impact pedestrian safety.

Rumble strips were also considered, but we know that these elements can be uncomfortable for cyclists.

the suite of traffic calming measures in the Final Concept Plan will make Stewart Street significantly more pedestrian and cyclist firnedly.

We are working with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to explore opportunities for a pedestrian crossing on Nicholson St.

Currently DTP has a number of urgent transport safety projects which take priority over this project.

We will continue to advocate strongly for this crossing.

There isn't sufficient space on Stewart Street to install separated cycle lanes. Cycling symbols stencilled on the roadway will alert drivers that they must slow down and give-way to cyclists.