Parts of Elizabeth Street to be closed to cars under council plan
Two city blocks along Elizabeth Street would be closed to cars under a plan to transform one of the last eyesores in Melbourne’s CBD into a more pedestrian friendly gateway to the city.
Under the plan, to be considered by Melbourne City Council next week, the blocks between La Trobe and Little Lonsdale streets and Little Bourke and Bourke streets would be completely shut off to vehicular traffic.
The blocks would be revitalised with widened bluestone footpaths, bike lanes and street furniture along with al fresco dining.
The blocks between Little Lonsdale and Lonsdale streets and Bourke and Little Collins Streets would also be blocked to southbound traffic, with footpaths on the eastern side of Elizabeth Street extended to the tram tracks.
Transport chairman Cr Frances Gilley said Elizabeth Street already carried fewer cars than many residential streets.
“Pedestrians and people on trams make up 90 per cent of street users but have the least amount of space,” Cr Gilley said.
The RACV’s senior manager for transport and planning, Peter Kartsidimas, said the council should consider going further with the Elizabeth Street strategy as part of a co-ordinated plan for transport in and around the CBD.
“Elizabeth Street is no longer one of the city’s main roads, but pedestrian numbers continue to grow,” Mr Kartsidimas said.
“RACV supports the transformation of Elizabeth Street to create a safer space for pedestrians, cyclists and better access for trams.”
More to come