In August 2021, we asked for your feedback on two options for pedestrian safety improvements along the Odenwald Road Bridge, Eaglemont. We received feedback from 300 community members through the online survey. Thank you to those who provided feedback.

The survey results were:

The feedback suggested that Option 1 was the preferred option but required some minor amendments, including:

• An additional speed hump will now be installed along Odenwald Road, east of the Alandale Road intersection to reduce motorist speeds on the lead up to the intersection.
• Vehicles entering Odenwald Road from Studley Road will be given priority movement and the give-way signage will only be installed for vehicles entering the bridge from the Odenwald Road and Alandale Road intersection.
• The left turn slip lane from Studley Road into Odenwald Road and the left overtaking lane along Studley Road, for north bound motorists, will not be implemented during the trial period. Assessments will be undertaken to determine if they are required, and if it is deemed required, then will be included with any permanent implementation of the trial.
• A convex mirror will be installed on the north east corner of Odenwald Road and Alandale Road intersection, to assist motorists turning left from Alandale Road to improve sight visibility.

To understand Option 1 and the impact of these changes on traffic behaviour in the area, we will commence a 6-month trial with site observations and assessments undertaken monthly.

The trial will commence after Metro Train Melbourne (MTM) approval and is dependent on contractor availability.

Whilst we have the approval from Metro Trains Melbourne to proceed with the trial, the final construction of the footpath will require further approval from them as the responsible authority for the bridge.

Towards the end of the trial period, you will have another opportunity to provide feedback on Shaping Banyule in relation to its success.

To stay up to date on this project, click the follow button at the top of the project page.

We acknowledge the community's request for separate pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure over the Hurstbridge Railway Corridor.

Such projects require significant funding support from the State and/or Federal Government.

We will prepare a high-level functional design of a separate footbridge over the railway corridor to enable a more accurate cost estimate to be determined and for further advocacy to the State and Federal Governments to assist in funding a permanent solution.

Walking in and around our neighbourhoods is one of the best markers of a healthy and vibrant community.

Banyule’s Walking Strategy and Integrated Transport Plan, outlines Council’s commitment to improving pedestrian connectivity and safety as part of its overarching objective to promote healthy activity and sustainable modes of travel.

To ensure we continue providing safer pedestrian walking links between Eaglemont, Heidelberg and Ivanhoe, we have received funding as part of this year’s Capital Works Program for the installation of safe pedestrian infrastructure along the Odenwald Road bridge, between Alandale Road and Studley Road, Eaglemont.

Odenwald bridge was built in the 1800’s and does not have a separated footpath for pedestrians. It is also quite narrow for a two-way bridge and vehicles approach Odenwald Bridge in both directions at speeds of up to 50km/hr.

To provide safe pedestrian access across the bridge, we considered two options :

Option 1

• A pedestrian footpath across the bridge.
• Reduction from two traffic lanes to a single lane (vehicles wait to cross controlled by give way linemarking and signs).
• An extended speed hump on the approach from Studley road with a pedestrian refuge island, connecting foothpath and kerb ramps.
• If this option is supported, a 6 month trial installation will be run to determine any significant impact to traffic flow. The community will be notified of the results of the trial and any changes to the plans required through Shaping Banyule.

Option 2

• A shared pedestrian and vehicle zone, retaining existing two-lane traffic.
• An extended speed hump on the approach from Studley Road with a pedestrian refuge island, connecting footpath and kerb ramps.
• Installation of an additional three speed humps, a footpath section, kerb ramps and advisory low speed limit signage.
• There will be no trial run as part of this proposal.

There were traffic and pedestrian design elements that were common to both options as set out in the design concept plans.

Note that the installation of the some of this infrastructure is subject to State Government approvals and may include applications to VicTrack (land and bridge owner), Metro Trains (MTM) and VicRoads as required.

Street lighting was also considered as part of both proposals.