Gipps Street elevated path
Project status
December 2023: Detours are in place for trail users. As construction works have ramped up, a dust and noise monitoring system has been installed to continuously assess air quality and ensure levels fall within Environment Protection Authority requirements.
The project
The Main Yarra Trail is one of Melbourne's most iconic routes following the Birrarung Yarra River from the north eastern suburbs to the city. The trail currently comes to an abrupt barrier at the steep steps at Gipps Street in Abbotsford. Parks Victoria is providing a solution by replacing the steep steps with an elevated, curling path. The new elevated path will improve how cyclists, people with prams and people with accessibility requirements can continue their journey along the Main Yarra Trail. The new elevated path will be built on Wurundjeri Country.
This image is an artist's impression of the proposed ramp design for illustrative purposes only.
Project benefits
Visitors
Users of the Main Yarra Trail have long been keen to see improvements to accessibility and connectivity of the trail at the point of the Gipps Street steps. The new ramp will dramatically improve how all users can access the trail regardless of their accessibility requirements or choice of transport along the trail.
Community
This project is being undertaken in consultation with key community and user groups including the Bicycle Network, Yarra City Council and local residents to ensure minimal disruption for the community and maximum benefit for trail users.
Protecting the environment
We won't be removing any native tree species and we plan on regenerating the embankment by planting native plants as part of this project. Much of the vegetation currently on the embankment at this part of the Yarra is invasive week species, and we'll remove some of these weeds as part of this project.
Protecting cultural heritage
We have consulted with First Peoples-State Relations and a cultural heritage management plan has been approved for the project. We will continue to work with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung to ensure cultural heritage is appropriately managed.
Project safety
To ensure the safety of the public and our contractors, we will need to temporarily close a section of the trail between Gipps Street and Clarke Street in Abbotsford when work commences.
Project funding
The Victorian Government is investing $15 million for this project.
Project timeline
Construction on this project begins in June 2023. We expect construction to be complete and the path to re-open in mid-2024.
Project partner
Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Change
Access changes
The trail will be temporarily closed between Gipps Street and Clarke Street in Abbotsford once work commences. The detour route for Main Yarra Trail users will be clearly signposted throughout the works.
Related information
Main Yarra Trail ramping up at Gipps Street
Bicycle Network - Gipps Street Steps project ramps up
FAQs
What will the ramp look like?
The steps will be replaced with a 200-metre elevated path that follows a gentle gradient to link with the Collins Bridge, enabling all users to enjoy an easy, continuous journey along the trail.
Will there still be steps available at this location for those who want to use the steps?
The existing steps will be demolished and new steps will be rebuilt nearby. The new steps will be designed and constructed with similar materials to the ramp.
How is vegetation being protected during works?
Much of the vegetation on the embankment at this location is invasive weed species. Existing native trees on the embankment will not be removed and replanting of native species will be incorporated into the works to regenerate the embankment.
How is the community being consulted on this project?
Extensive community consultation was undertaken in 2017 for input into the ramp designs. Ongoing engagement is happening with people and groups, including Traditional Owners, Bicycle Network Victoria, neighbouring residents and Yarra City Council.