A controversial proposal to restrict most car and truck traffic on a significant stretch of road in Melbourne’s inner north is likely to be shelved following intense community backlash. Yarra City Council is scheduled to vote on Tuesday night regarding the plan to transform a 1.1-kilometre section of Wellington Street.
The Proposed Transformation
The plan focused on the stretch of Wellington Street between Johnston Street in Collingwood and Queens Parade in Clifton Hill. The goal was to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists over vehicle traffic.
Council had consulted on two primary options: a shared zone with a 30km/h speed limit or dedicated bike lanes featuring painted lanes in Collingwood and physical “protected” barriers in Clifton Hill.
Both options would have implemented physical barriers, such as concrete kerbs and garden beds, to prevent vehicles from driving the full length of the stretch. This would have required local residents to use side-street diversions and would have reduced on-street parking.
A Community Divided
Data reveals a sharp divide between general users of the road and those living in the immediate area. A council survey of 1,654 unique responses showed 62 per cent of respondents—including non-locals—backed some form of traffic blocking.
However, support dropped significantly among residents. Approximately 50 per cent of Collingwood respondents and 47 per cent of Clifton Hill locals did not support either proposed option.
This division was further highlighted by petitions; more than 2,560 signatures were submitted against the plans, while an open letter in support garnered 780 signatures.
The “Watered-Down” Alternative
Council planners are now recommending a substantially reduced package. This alternative includes repainting bike lanes, minor safety works, upgrading a school crossing and investigating a 30km/h speed limit.
Alexandra Lamb, organiser of the Say Yes to a New Wellington St campaign, described the recommendation as a “backflip” and a sign of “weakness.” She argued there is a “complete disconnect” between the research and the final recommendations.
Conversely, Sebastian Guiney, leader of the Oppose Wellington St Closure campaign, welcomed the shift but expressed concern that the council stated these works “do not prohibit a street transformation option being progressed in the future.”
Traffic and Economic Concerns
The debate has centered heavily on the potential impact on surrounding residential streets. While council officers suggest drivers may stick to arterial routes like Hoddle Street, their own preliminary modelling predicts a potential 56 per cent surge in daily traffic on Gold Street.
This increase—roughly 900 extra vehicles per day—is a primary concern for opponents, as Gold Street is a main drop-off point for Clifton Hill Primary School and is home to a daycare, an aged care facility, and a park.
the Oppose Wellington St Closure campaign cited concerns regarding the economic viability of two service stations located on the strip if vehicle traffic were significantly reduced.
What Happens Next
The outcome of the Tuesday night meeting will determine the future of the corridor. It’s expected that the meeting may be inundated with both proponents and opponents seeking to influence the councillors’ vote.
If the watered-down package is adopted, the council may avoid immediate conflict, though the report concedes these changes would be “less impactful” in addressing high traffic volumes and core safety issues. Depending on the vote, the issue could either be “put to bed,” as opponents hope, or remain a possibility for future transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the two main options for the “bicycle street”?
The options were either a shared zone with a 30km/h speed limit where motorists and cyclists share lanes, or dedicated bike lanes with physical protected barriers in Clifton Hill and painted lanes in Collingwood.
Why is Gold Street a point of contention?
Preliminary modelling suggests a potential 56 per cent surge in daily traffic (about 900 extra vehicles) on Gold Street, which is near a primary school, a daycare, and an aged care facility.
What has the council already completed on Wellington Street?
The council has already completed two stages of upgrades on the section of Wellington Street between Victoria Parade and Johnston Street, though these did not include the traffic-blocking measures proposed for the newer stretch.
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