What is this project about?
Council is delivering a series of transport and accessibility improvements along Griffith Street, including new shared paths, road upgrades, and intersection improvements.
The project aims to improve safety, connectivity, and traffic movement for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
Why is this project being delivered?
These works are being undertaken to:
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Improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists
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Reduce vehicle speeds in key areas
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Provide safer road crossings
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Improve traffic flow and access
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Support future growth and transport needs
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Enhance the overall amenity of the Griffith Street corridor
What works are included in the Northern Shared Path?
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Construction of 830 metres of 2.5m wide concrete shared path along the northern side of Griffith Street
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Connection from Moonglow Crescent to Franklin Street
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Installation of raised pedestrian platforms and road narrowings at:
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Barry Street
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Moore Street
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Ingliston Street
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Powlett Street
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McCrae Street
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Franklin Street
These treatments are designed to slow traffic and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
What works are included in the Southern Shared Path and Access Road?
- Construction of approximately 1.3km of 3.0m wide concrete shared path connecting the Southern shared path at Cemetery Road to Parwan Road.
- New raised pedestrian platforms at Osbourne Street ensure safe pedestrian and cycle movement across intersections.
Why is a path being constructed instead of road upgrades?
- The shared path is being delivered through grant funding specifically provided to improve pedestrian safety. Road upgrade works are being considered separately and are subject to future funding and approvals.
What improvements are being made for pedestrian safety?
- New raised crossing platforms at key side streets
- Installation of traffic calming measures, including road narrowings
- A temporary splitter island near Providence Drive to assist pedestrians crossing Griffith Street
- Improved access near Providence Retirement Village
Will there be any changes to traffic conditions?
Yes. To improve pedestrian safety:
- Westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane for approximately 200 metres between Franklin Street and Providence Drive
- This change supports safer crossing movements near the bus stop
During construction, there may also be:
- Traffic diversions
- Changed traffic conditions
- Temporary delays
What intersection improvements are planned?
Upgrades are planned at the Griffith Street / Grant Street / Parwan Road / Station Street intersection, including roundabout improvements. These works are being coordinated with the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority to support future upgrades, including the duplication of Griffith Street.
What is the Griffith Street Duplication?
Council has undertaken a design review for the future duplication of Griffith Street between Cemetery Road and Grant Street. The review focuses on:
- Maintaining two lanes of traffic in each direction
- Improving streetscape, landscaping, and amenity
- Enhancing the area as a key gateway into Bacchus Marsh
* Construction of this stage is subject to future Council funding and external grants.
When will the works take place?
Northern Shared Path:
- Construction completed in July 2026
Trees Removal works:
Trees Removal: September 2026 – October 2026
Southern Shared Path:
Design: March 2026 – September 2026
Construction: Early 2027 (subject to scheduling)
Southern Access Road Upgrades:
Design: March 2026 – September 2026
Construction: Early 2027
Intersection Improvements:
Construction Early 2027
Griffith Street Duplication:
Design review underway (May – October 2026), construction subject to future funding
Will there be disruptions during construction?
Yes, some temporary impacts are expected, including:
Traffic management and detours
Lane closures
Construction noise and activity
Council will aim to minimise disruption and provide advance notice of major works.
Will there be any tree removals as part of the shared user path works?
Yes. 33 trees along the southern section of Griffith Street will be removed as part of the project to accommodate the shared user path works.
Why are the trees proposed to be removed?
The proposed tree removals are required to facilitate the Griffith Street Improvement Project, including construction of the 3-metre-wide shared path, service road upgrades, drainage improvements, pedestrian crossings and the future Griffith Street duplication project.
Approximately 33 Sugar Gum trees are proposed to be removed as part of this stage of works. While Council acknowledges their contribution to the streetscape over many years, the existing Sugar Gums are not indigenous to Victoria and their removal is required to allow site preparation works to occur and support the future road upgrade.
Removing the trees at this stage helps prepare the site and establish suitable soil conditions, providing the best opportunity for the future road upgrade and replacement planting to be successfully established.
Was community consultation undertaken?
Yes. Council undertook community consultation during June and July 2021, providing residents, businesses and stakeholders with an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed design. A total of 16 submissions were received through email and Council's online engagement platform.
Community feedback covered a range of topics including landscaping, trees, traffic safety, pedestrian and cyclist safety, service roads, drainage and future road capacity. This feedback helped inform the ongoing development of the project.
Did the community raise concerns about the mature trees?
Yes. Landscaping, tree retention and streetscape character were the most frequently raised topics during the 2021 consultation. Many respondents highlighted the value of the mature trees for shade, visual amenity and habitat and requested that tree removals be minimised where possible
Council considered this feedback during project development. Arboricultural assessments identified that many of the existing trees are in poor condition and have a limited remaining life expectancy. The project has sought to balance vegetation outcomes with road safety, accessibility, drainage, active transport connections and future transport needs
What alternatives were considered before deciding to remove the trees?
The project design has sought to balance tree retention with the requirements for road safety, accessibility, drainage improvements, the shared path network and the future Griffith Street duplication
Trees have been retained where practicable. Removal is proposed where trees conflict with required infrastructure or where their condition and location make them unsuitable for long-term retention.
Independent arboricultural advice informed the assessment and design process.
Was an arborist consulted?
Yes. Arboricultural advice has informed the project planning undertaken to date.
As the project progresses through detailed design, Council will continue to engage appropriately qualified specialists to support detailed design development and project delivery requirements.
How will wildlife be managed before and during tree removal?
As part of the detailed design and project delivery process, Council will engage appropriately qualified specialists to undertake the necessary ecological and fauna assessments prior to any tree removal works commencing.
Should fauna or active habitat be identified, appropriate management measures will be implemented, including engagement of suitably qualified fauna specialists where required, in accordance with relevant legislation and environmental requirements.
How will the removed trees be replaced?
Replacement planting forms part of the project.
As part of the current stage of works, replacement planting is proposed within the southern section of the project area. Additional landscaping opportunities will continue to be considered as part of the broader Griffith Street upgrade and duplication project.
This approach is consistent with feedback received during community consultation, which highlighted the importance of landscaping, streetscape improvements and maintaining the visual character of Griffith Street.
When will replacement planting occur?
Replacement planting within the southern section is proposed as part of the current stage of works and will be undertaken during suitable planting seasons to maximise establishment and growth.
Additional landscaping associated with the broader Griffith Street upgrade and duplication project will be considered as future stages of the project progress.
What will happen to the wood from removed trees?
The timber from the removed trees will be salvaged and stored for reuse as firewood. Further details of this arrangement will be communicated closer to the works.
How is the project consistent with open space objectives?
Community consultation identified the importance of landscaping, vegetation and the overall character of Griffith Street to residents.
The project seeks to balance these values with important transport, safety, accessibility and community infrastructure outcomes. Where tree removal is necessary, replacement planting and ongoing vegetation management will contribute to Council's longer-term streetscape and tree canopy objectives.
Landscaping associated with the current stage of works and future project stages will seek to provide an attractive, sustainable and well-landscaped corridor that supports the role of Griffith Street as an important gateway into Bacchus Marsh.