The Anniversary Trail is a popular bike and pedestrian route in Boroondara that follows the route of the old Outer Circle Railway.
There is a very strong desire among the Boroondara and wider community for a safe and convenient crossing for the Anniversary Trail over Toorak Road.
A bridge for the shared path over Toorak Road is a missing link that would:
- remove the steep approach to Toorak Road
- avoid having to navigate through a car park on the northern side of the road
- provide a safe grade separated crossing of Toorak Road for pedestrians and cyclists.
A counter on the trail shows the recent current average daily volume was about 450 bikes per day travelling at an average speed of 19 km/h. This figure will double if pedestrians are included, totalling around 330,000 persons annually.
Boroondara Council conducted a feasibility study and public engagement in early 2015 about the best solution for the crossing. The preferred solution was a bridge for the shared path over Toorak Road similar to the bridge over Warrigal Road next to the Glen Waverley Line.
In 2018 Boroondara Council prepared a concept design for the bridge and submitted it to the Victorian government requesting funding for the design and construction of the bridge.
In late 2022 the Victorian government decided to conduct another public engagement on options for the Anniversary Trail connection over Toorak Road.
On 2 December 2024 Active Transport Victoria advised that:
- Over 1400 people responded to the survey on options for a crossing at Toorak Road on the Anniversary Trail.
- The consultation showed that people want a safe crossing at Toorak Road on the Anniversary Trail.
- Of the four options presented, the preferred option was the walking and cycling bridge option.
Unfortunately, Active Transport Victoria stated they are proceeding with an inferior route that largely replicates problems with the current route.
Our concerns with their proposed route include:
- Safety and amenity issues with the steep gradient from Fordham Avenue to Toorak Road
- Delays and wait times at the proposed new bike/pedestrian lights on Toorak Rd and increased obstruction of Toorak Road traffic
- Loss of listed heritage and significant trees
- Loss of car parking for customers of local businesses on Toorak Road
- Path on the south side of Toorak Road is too narrow to meet current standards
- The claimed $30 million cost for the bridge option is not based on design estimates.
Boroondara Bicycle Users Group is very disappointed the Victorian government is not listening to residents and path users and is ignoring community feedback on the preferred option for a bridge over Toorak Road.
We have sent this information to John Pesutto MP (Hawthorn) and Matt Fregon (Ashwood) requesting that the Victorian government proceed with the community-preferred solution for a bridge for the shared path over Toorak Road, including safety improvements to the existing rail crossing to the north and meeting accessibility standards.
