Docklands traffic is improving - VicUrban

VicUrban is confident that Docklands’ traffic will be vastly improved in coming weeks as the Harbour Esplanade roadworks come to an end.

General manager for Docklands Simon Wilson said extra turning lanes at intersections would make a huge difference to the congestion which has dogged Docklands recently.

“Once the temporary barriers come down, the traffic will flow a lot better,” he said.

Mr Wilson said VicUrban had been working with the City of Melbourne and VicRoads since November to re-sequence Docklands’ traffic signals which had resulted in smoother traffic flows.

“It might have only been a few seconds here and a few second there, but it has made a remarkable difference,” he said.

Mr Wilson said consultants UrbanTrans had studied Docklands’ traffic and had provided a plan for improvements.

However, Mr Wilson admitted that the Batman’s Hill peak hour snarl had not been anticipated.  He said planners failed to predict the numbers of drivers exiting the CBD via Collins St – attempting to connect with Wurundjeri Way via Batman’s Hill Dr.

Mr Wilson said Harbour Esplanade was never intended to carry through-traffic.  He said drivers needed to be educated to use Wurundjeri Way to skirt around Docklands.

He said the raised tramway was installed in Harbour Esplanade to improve tram timetable reliability and as a safety measure to prevent vehicles from crossing the tracks.

He said a dedicated U-turn facility at Bourke St, would assist vehicles approaching Central Pier from the north.  Mr Wilson also said drop-off zones and taxi ranks would further assist Central Pier businesses.

Parking on the end of Central Pier is to cease in March, with Mr Wilson admitting it should not have been allowed in the first place.

He said Central Pier operators were being encouraged to direct their guests to park at Etihad Stadium.  VicUrban provided parking at Etihad Stadium for Atlantic Group [v] guests during the LaTrobe and Bourke streets intersection occupation period.