Boosting sustainable transport, cutting traffic in Eltham

Congestion busting - FB.jpg

Nillumbik Shire Council is embarking on a major project to make the Eltham Activity Centre more pedestrian friendly and connected, while reducing traffic congestion in the area.

As part of the Eltham Urban Congestion Fund Project, Council has developed a range of traffic and transport initiatives that will promote more sustainable travel such as walking, cycling and public transport while addressing key safety issues in line with the Eltham Major Activity Centre Structure Plan.

The project is being funded with $5 million from the Federal Government’s Urban Congestion Fund, which applies to the corridor along Main Road Eltham.

The proposed traffic treatments are now available to view and provide feedback on at Participate Nillumbik, participate.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/congestion-busting

Mayor Peter Perkins thanked the Federal Government for the $5 million in funding, which was significant for Eltham and Nillumbik.

“This is an important project with wider implications for residents and visitors from across the Shire. I encourage you to view the plans and tell us what you think,” Cr Perkins said.

The traffic and transport proposals include:

  • A permanent 40km/h speed zone in the Eltham Activity Centre
  • A new shared path to improve the Diamond Creek Trail between Diamond Street and the railway substation at Main Road.
  • New raised pedestrian zebra crossings and raised threshold treatments in streets including Cecil, Luck, Pryor, York, as well as Panther Place.
  • A new signalised pedestrian crossing on Main Road between Luck and Pryor streets connecting to the bus interchange and railway station
  • The permanent closure of St Laurence Lane to allow for placemaking opportunities such as outdoor dining
  • Traffic treatments along Bible Street to reduce rat-running and speed, and increase pedestrian safety, as well as car parking change
  • The reconstruction of the circular asphalt road around Eltham Central Oval, and new sealed car parking around the oval and near the child care centre.

Wingrove Ward Councillor Geoff Paine said investing in sustainable transport was a key way to tackle traffic congestion.

“We are trying to manage demand and make moving around Eltham and the activity centre easier, particularly for walkers and cyclists,” Cr Paine said.

“So we are encouraging people to get out of their cars, walk more, use their bike and use the public transport interchange.”

The Our People, Our Place Our Future consultation and feedback for the Climate Action Plan heard Council had an important role to play in encouraging sustainable transport.

A priority of the Eltham Major Activity Structure Plan was also to investigate a program to improve pedestrian movement and maintain traffic flow in the precinct.

The proposals, including technical drawings and before and after illustrations, can be viewed in detail at Council’s community engagement website Participate Nillumbik at participate.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/congestion-busting.

Pop-up information sessions will also be held at the Eltham Town Centre where an officer will be available to answer questions. Subject to current COVID-19 restrictions, these will be held on:

  • Thursday 24 June, 11am-1pm
  • Monday 28 June, 8am-11am
  • Wednesday 7 July, 10am-12pm
  • Friday 16 July, 10am-12pm.

Feedback closes on 23 July 2021. Council will consider submissions at the 14 September Planning and Consultation Committee meeting where those who provided feedback can make a verbal submission.

Construction is due to start by March 2022.

/Public Release. View in full here.