In 2022 we heard your ideas for the Hurstbridge Rail Corridor.

You told us you wanted to extend a safe cycling route along Ellesmere Parade from Davies Street through to Macleod Station, with a direct link between the train stations and nearby destinations. You also highlighted the need for a safer crossing at Chapman and Ruthven Streets and the importance of protecting the natural beauty of Rosanna Parklands.

What we did with your feedback

We used your feedback to ask the Victorian Government for a shared walking and cycling path between Rosanna and Macleod stations as part of the Hurstbridge Rail Duplication Stage 2 project.

In March 2026, the Victorian Government confirmed the project will go ahead. It includes a new shared walking and cycling path along the corridor to Chapman and Ruthven Streets, completing this missing link as well as a new signalised pedestrian crossing at Ruthven Street. This builds on Council’s 2023 works, which delivered a path from Chapman Street to Macleod Station.

When will it be delivered

Why this matters

Your feedback helped shape this project and supported Council's successful advocacy to include the walking and cycling path included as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project.

We asked for your help to improve open space along the rail line to encourage walking and cycling as a preferred mode of travel and strengthen amenity and aesthetic of the space.

Walking and cycling:

• reduces traffic
• reduces greenhouse emissions and environmental impacts
• increases community safety and cohesion
• improves community health and wellbeing
• supports local business.

By making improvements, we want to:

• make walking and cycling quick, convenient and easy
• increase connection and reduce delays
• develop a more complete network
• make walking and cycling inviting, interesting and pleasurable
• improve pedestrian and personal security
• strengthen signs and directions to help people find their way.

The Hurstbridge Feasibility Study also presents opportunities to improve the environment, landscaping and open space along the rail line. These improvements will be guided by three key design principals:

• Ecology - this principle focusses on biodiversity, habitat and visual improvement through the many aspects of landscape and open space design.
• Amenity - concentrating on local connectivity and access, cyclist facilities and engagement with community, this principle aims to improve the user experience though improved infrastructure.
• Safety - providing a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists is key to success. This principle concentrates on clear open spaces, traffic speed reduction treatments and improved lighting.

You told us why open space and active transport are important to you and showed us where you would like improvements made.