Roadworks and Carpark
Updated: Jun 16, 2022
Urban Congestion Fund
As of March 2021, the Urban Congestion Fund has grown to an approximate $4.8 billion in total funding for 155 candidate projects across 188 sites, including 44 commuter car park projects. The commuter car park project has been labelled a ‘rort’ by some as it appears the fund’s recipient locations were not based on congestion, but were rather strategically selected based on rewarding political loyalty or securing political advantage for the federal Coalition in target seats. The Australian National Audit Office conducted an audit of the UCF’s Commuter Car Park Fund in June 2021 and found that the project stemmed from a list of marginal seats compiled in 2019, with locations eventually selected based on the views of Coalition MPs. Despite these findings the funding remains and the various projects continue to be planned and carried out.
Glenferrie Road and Burwood Road Intersection Upgrade
The UCF includes $600,000 for the ‘Burwood Road Intersection Upgrades’ project, for works at two intersections, where Burwood Road intersects with Auburn Road and Glenferrie Road. The works to upgrade the Burwood and Glenferrie Road intersection commenced in mid-July and are scheduled to be completed in late 2021.
According to the Department of Infrastructure, the upgrades are expected to “reduce congestion during peak times, while also improving road and pedestrian safety, travel times and trip-time reliability”. The upgrades will include the introduction of controlled right-turn arrows on the eastern and western approaches to Glenferrie Road, vehicle queue detectors, peak-time traffic light sequencing, flashing ‘Give Way to Pedestrians’ signs, and upgraded traffic signals. The works are scheduled to take place from 9:30am-3:30pm Monday to Friday and some weekends until October. The works may also involve the redirection of vehicular traffic to ensure commuter and crew safety.
Glenferrie Commuter Car Park
The UCF also includes the $711 million Commuter Car Park Fund, with $15 million secured for the ‘Glenferrie Station Commuter Car Park Upgrade’ alongside other areas in Boroondara such as Camberwell and Canterbury.
The City of Boroondara has committed $750,000 to be spent over the 2020-21 and 2021-22 financial years on feasibility studies and will work closely with the Department of Infrastructure to develop a commuter carpark for Glenferrie Hawthorn. The carpark aims to increase local parking access and park-and-ride facilities around Glenferrie to relieve pressure on residential streets, reduce citybound traffic congestion and travel times for commuters, improve parking safety and disability accessibility, and support local trade by providing visitor parking outside peak commute periods.
City of Boroondara is currently assessing the carpark construction at three potential sites. At the existing surface-level carparks at Liddiard Street or Wakefield Street, or an underground carpark on the eastern side of Glenferrie Oval.
Community consultation is expected to commence in late 2021 and construction to commence 2023. Council explained the current “detailed planning stage” will indicate specific requirements for the project, such as the type of carpark and number of car spaces best suited for the location and community.
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