Delivery of Hawke Street Linear Park pushed back 

Despite the City of Melbourne aiming to commence work on the Hawke Street Linear Park in 2024, the project delivery has been stymied by “complexities” posed by the West Gate Tunnel Project. 

The proposed park seeks to mitigate the increased vehicle flow from the tunnel project, improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity through building separated cycle lanes, and green the entire length of Hawke St. 

North West City News previously reported that construction for the park was meant to begin at the start of last year, following multiple rounds of community consultation and workshops since April 2021. 

However, it is understood that further planning and more detailed traffic analysis is being conducted to help the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) better understand traffic impacts on Hawke St and Spencer St. 

Since the final concept design was approved by the City of Melbourne in May 2023, detailed design work has been undertaken by the council and the state government. The project is now expected to be delivered by the end of this year. 

It is being funded as a part of the West Gate Tunnel Project’s $100 million Transport and Amenity Program (TAP) which aims to mitigate the impact of new road projects on North and West Melbourne and Docklands. 

As a part of the program, $32 million has already been allocated for two key projects: upgrading the shared user path on Dynon Rd for pedestrians and cyclists, and streetscape improvements on Franklin St in the CBD. 

The new Dynon Rd shared user path will make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians travelling between North Melbourne and Footscray by removing dangerous spots along the current path and improving connections between the two areas.

Additionally, work has begun on Franklin St to provide more than 1250 sqm of new green space and major streetscape upgrades will also improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure between Swanston St and Peel St. •