The Main Yarra Trail is going to be made more accessible and bike-friendly with a 150 metre-long ramp to replace the steps on the Gipps Street Abbotsford connection
It’s going to cost a tidy $15 million of taxpayer dollars to build, but it’s being justified as a solution to what the state government are calling a major obstacle to cyclists, pram users and people with accessibility requirements. The Main Yarra Trail is one of Melbourne’s most iconic trails, following the Birrarung-Yarra River from the north-eastern suburbs to the city.
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Currently, the trail meets steep steps at Gipps Street, so the government say an elevated ramp will dramatically improve how people can use the trail, cross the river and enjoy nature right on the city’s edge.
The project will retain existing native trees and the river embankment will be revegetated, including the planting of new trees, and the installation of garden beds and a lawn area with seating at the Gipps Street connection.
Highlights along the Main Yarra Trail include Dights Falls, Collingwood Children’s Farm, Abbotsford Convent, and Yarra Bend Park. The shared pathway at Gipps Street also makes up part of the 29-kilometre Capital City Trail around Melbourne’s inner north.
Melbourne’s Metropolitan Trail Network, which sounds like a train line but is actually the official name for the park trail system, includes the Merri Creek Trail, the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail, the Inner Circle Trail, and the Main Yarra Trail.
Works are expected to commence later this year.
