Update: 22 October 2020 ‘Procurement of Structural and Civil Engineering design services for the Gipps Street Ramp Project …. Tender closes at 11 November 2020 02:00 PM‘
From Streets Alive Yarra: ‘Parks Victoria have developed a “functional design” of a ramp to replace the Gipps Street steps, and are now requesting tenders for engineering design services. Here are some images of the proposal – all image credits are Parks Victoria and Hansen Partnership.’
2020: Still waiting. Makes it about, say, fifteen years of waiting all up?
So you’ve been wondering what’s happening with Gipps Street, Abbotsford for over a decade? Parks Victoria have just announced news about building an all ability access ramp plus four weeks of consultation via survey. It appears the planets have finally aligned!
From Parks Victoria: Access to the Main Yarra Trail for all
If you have ever lugged your bike or a pram up the Gipps Street steps in Abbotsford relief is on its way. Parks Victoria is planning an all ability access ramp to replace the Gipps Street steps and give better access for everyone to enjoy the Main Yarra Trail.
Have your say: Have your say on our plan to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety and open a new viewing platform for visitors to this stretch of the Yarra River.
Complete the survey: The survey runs over 4 weeks until Friday 4 August. To have your say on the plan to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety and open a new viewing platform for visitors to this stretch of the Yarra River, complete the survey here
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MainYarraTrailAccessForAllGippsStreet
The existing 42 concrete steps stop people with prams, those using wheelchairs and all but the fittest of cyclists, who can carry their bikes up the steps, from using this section of the Main Yarra Trail. Following the four-week public consultation period, Parks Victoria will finalise its plan in response to the community feedback and then continue with the important infrastructure upgrade project. If you would like more information about this project please email gippsstramp@parks.vic.gov.au or phone 13 1963
Herald Sun: Notorious Gipps St steps in Abbotsford to be replaced by ramp (7 July 2017)
A new ramp will connect to the Collins Bridge, then follow the existing Main Yarra Trail down the riverbank towards the Collingwood Children’s Farm, Yarra Bend Park, over the Chandler Bridge and on to Merri Creek Trail.
Richmond state Labor MP Richard Wynne will today unveil plans for the $4.1 million project, which will offer a new entry point to the renowned trail.
“The Main Yarra Trail is one of Victoria’s best spots for cycling, walking and enjoying the great outdoors. Access has long been a problem from Abbotsford, but we’re fixing that,” Mr Wynne said.
“For too long, cyclists have had to lug their bikes down 42 steps, and for others the steps have been simply impossible to negotiate. We want people who use the trail and locals to put forward their views on what is the best design for the project.”
A set of stairs connecting Abbotsford’s streetline with the Main Yarra Trail will finally be replaced by a shared pathway.
The upgrade will create a new wider entrance to the Chandler Bridge with a connection to the ramp, improving traffic flow, boosting safety and separating inbound bridge traffic from northbound ramp traffic.
Bicycle Network chief executive Craig Richards backed the new design. “The new ramp and bridge connection will create a safer shared space for cyclists and pedestrians and remove the longstanding user obstacle off those notorious Gipps St steps,” Mr Richards said.
Four weeks of consultation is now open, giving the public a chance to provide feedback
Some ancient Gipps Street Steps history
Photo from YarraBUG’s Gipps Street Steps Campaign held March 20th, 2005 during Bike Path Discovery Day.
May 2016: Gipps Street Steps planned to be upgraded to ramp
January 2007: Melbourne Times interview: The Path To A Better Bike Trail
May 2006: Very old announcement on Gipps Street Steps replacement: The Age: Pedal-pushing councils break pollution cycle (15 May 2006)
Yesterday, their transport strategies received a vote of confidence when the State Government announced a $72 million boost in funding for bike paths. The money is to be spent over 10 years, and will be used to upgrade on-road bike lanes and off-road bike trails to make them safer for commuters and families and establish more direct routes around Melbourne. The funding boost was announced on the Capital City Trail in Abbotsford, where a much-loathed set of steps is to be replaced by a ramp.
October 2005: YarraBUG Gipps Street Steps: Campaign Review
March 2005: YarraBUG Gipps Street Steps Campaign Leaflet
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