Parts of the Yarra Trail are currently disrupted due to construction works on two major infrastructure projects.

An elevated pathway is being constructed by Parks Victoria between Gipps Street and Clarke Street in Abbotsford to replace the existing steps. In addition, Salta Properties is reconstructing the southern end of the Walmer Street Bridge.

Council is not undertaking either project. Any enquiries about the impact, timing, signage or public notification for the projects should be directed to Parks Victoria and Salta Properties.

Parks Victoria – Gipps St elevated pathway

The Yarra Trail will be temporarily closed between Gipps Street and Clarke Street from June 2023 until mid-2024 due to Parks Victoria works to improve access along the trail.

According to Parks Victoria, the project will see the steep steps at Gipps Street replaced with an elevated pathway. The new pathway is intended to improve the ways in which people walking or cycling, people with prams, and people with accessibility requirements traverse this section.

Detours for people walking or cycling using the Yarra Trail will be in place for the duration of the project. Access to the Collingwood Children’s Farm is not affected.

Below is a map showing the section that will be closed and the suggested detour route for people walking and cycling.

For more information, see the Parks Victoria website or contact their team on 13 19 63.

Salta Properties Walmer St Bridge works (PLEASE NOTE: These works are complete and Walmer Street Bridge has reopened 21 December 2023)

Construction works began at the southern end of the Walmer Street Bridge in May 2023.

As a requirement of their development permit, Salta will be completing the reconstruction of the southern end of the bridge, including ramp and stair access to Walmer Street Plaza. Works will also include revegetation of the riverbank. 

The bridge was closed in mid-August 2022 as the City of Boroondara undertook the reconstruction of the bridge’s northern end.

Boroondara’s works have been delayed and will be completed by early November 2023.

Salta anticipates they will complete their works at the southern end of the bridge by December 2023 when the bridge will reopen.

The Walmer Street Bridge connects Abbotsford in Yarra and Kew in Boroondara. Alternative routes for people walking and cycling will be in place during this period.

The City of Yarra and City of Boroondara continue to advocate for a new fit-for-purpose mid span bridge at Walmer Street to compliment the newly constructed approaches and to be funded by the Victorian Government to better meet the needs of cyclists and our communities now and into the future.

For more information, contact Salta at [email protected] or 9673 1111.