Re-thinking the shared path from Merri Parade to Reservoir Station

Walking, cycling and open space corridors, such as the Northern Pipe Trail will be increasingly important to our community as we continue to experience unprecedented urban growth.

Last year we kick started the conversation about how this much-loved corridor could be improved. Over 800 ideas were shared by the local community.

This year we will be focussing on creating a plan to guide landscape, access and safety upgrades to the northern section, from Murray Road to Reservoir Station. We are working towards releasing this plan in October 2019 for community input.

A plan to guide improvements to the southern section (from Merri Parade to Murray Road, including St Georges Road), will occur in future years, in collaboration with VicRoads, Yarra Trams and Melbourne Water.

Background

What is the Northern Pipe Trail?

It is one of the most loved walking, cycling and exercise trails in Darebin. Many people may know it as the St Georges Road Shared Path and love the iconic palms located along it. But it’s so much more!

The Northern Pipe Trail:

• sits within a major arterial road - St Georges Road.
• has some major water infrastructure located underneath it, supplying Melbourne with its drinking water.
• is the fifth busiest cycling route in Australia and a designated a key strategic cycling corridor in Victorian Government strategy.
• contains two key public transport routes. Tram 11 runs from Merri Parade to Miller Street, whilst the trail interacts with the South Morang railway line from Murray Road (Preston Station) to Reservoir Station.
• Plays an important role in supporting local east-west walking, cycling and vehicle access.

Where is the Northern Pipe Trail?

Starting at the intersection of Merri Parade and St Georges Road, it runs north along St Georges Road until it reaches Murray Road. From here its snakes along the South Morang railway line to Regent Station, then runs up Robinsons Road, through G.E Robinson Park, along High Street to Reservoir Station.

This 7km stretch is the focus area for this masterplan. In the coming years will we undertake a future masterplan to guide upgrades to the northern section from Reservoir Station along Cheddar Road to Mahoney’s Road.

Role of the Northern Pipe Trail Masterplan

The masterplan will guide safety, access and landscaping improvements along the entire trail - from Merri Creek to Reservoir Station. It will consider things like:

• Creating safer access for all users along and to and from the trail.
• New areas for additional landscaping and community space.
• Reducing conflict points along the trail.
• Better facilities and infrastructure along the trail (i.e. lighting, drinking taps, bins etc)

The master plan will ensure that a unified and collaborative approach to planning and management of the study area is committed to amongst the community and key stakeholders.