Green Spine gridlock

PEDESTRIANS crossing Malop St are having to dodge vehicles on a daily basis.

As part of the Green Spine project’s $8 million first stage completed a year ago, separated bike lanes were installed and turning lanes removed between Yarra and Moorabool streets.

While the new greening has been a welcome addition to the CBD, one drawback is the traffic congestion. Slow-moving vehicles are often caught blocking the pedestrian crossing between Westfield and Market Square, making it hazardous for people to cross.

Newtown shopper Damien Keane said the crossing was an “accident waiting to happen”.

“Sometimes you get three or four cars left stuck across the crossing, which makes it difficult to cross safely,” he said.

“Because the crossing is so big people think they are OK, but then the lights change and they get caught in no man’s land.”

The Addy spent several days observing the crossing, witnessing numerous examples of vehicles caught out over the widened crossing.

In one example, a car attempted to exit the crossing while pedestrians were crossing, increasing the danger to unsuspecting shoppers.

City of Greater Geelong economy, investment and attraction director Brett Luxford said the Green Spine was designed to prioritise pedestrians over motorists and not intended to be a high-volume vehicle throughway.

“We acknowledge this may take a period of adjustment for motorists who had previously used this road as a preferred east-west connection,” he said. “We encourage motorists to continue to opt for other roads, such as Brougham, Myers or McKillop St, to cross the city from east to west.”

Mr Luxford said since the completion of stage one of the Green Spine, vehicle volume and speed had dropped significantly in this section of Malop St.

“Data from earlier this year shows pedestrian numbers in the Green Spine have increased by 11 per cent, while vehicle traffic has dropped by 56 per cent,” he said.

“Less traffic and lower speeds have made this award-winning precinct a much safer space for pedestrians.”

The council has committed to working with Victoria Police to ensure drivers don’t queue across pedestrian zones.

The offence for a motor vehicle entering a blocked crossing carries a $165 fine.