Footpath works on La Trobe St begin  

Footpath upgrade works will get under way on La Trobe St to make the area more pedestrian-friendly. The upgrade between Russell and Exhibition streets is part of the City of Melbourne’s streetscape improvements program for 2022-23.

The works will begin in late January and take about four weeks to complete.

“These works are part of an ongoing program to respond to the changing needs of our streets and improve the experience of footpaths for people in some of the city’s busiest walking areas,” the council said.

The upgrade will see the existing footpath demolished, with a concrete slab poured and bluestone pavers installed. The council is proposing to reconstruct a raised asphalt crossing and install a bluestone kerb and gutter. Enlarging existing tree plots is also being proposed with a porous pavement around the tree bases to be installed.

Construction hours will be from 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday with occasional overnight or weekend work, which will create some noise. 

Access to residential properties and businesses will be maintained, the council said.

In terms of the impact to residents, pedestrian, vehicle, and bicycle access will be restricted for short periods (including temporary diversions), but traffic management will guide footpath and road users throughout the works.

East Enders residents’ group president Dr Stan Capp said making the city’s footpaths more attractive, safer, and adding greenery wherever possible should be encouraged.  

“Our CBD is a great walking experience except for e-scooters, e-bikes and motor bikes parked on footpaths and it’s good that the City of Melbourne shares the need to enhance the experience,” he said.

“I would encourage consulting with residents and other users along the journey.” •

Photo: DJ Paine, Unsplash.