Moonee Valley City Council has announced two upcoming projects on the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail:

Underpass Lighting – Woodland Street & Wheeler Street

Stage 1 – Installation of  lighting fixtures, electrical boxes and conduits

• These works will commence from Monday 19^th February
• During Construction, traffic controllers will be present to assist with shuttle flow traffic arrangements for both Citybound and Strathmore bound traffic

Stage 2 – Connection of the new lighting arrangement to suitable supply

• At present there are no confirmed dates for the commencement of these works
• Council will communicate with relevant stakeholders again once these works have been confirmed
• Stage 2 of the works are likely to take place without of Traffic Management
• Note that the underpass lights will not be operational until stage 2 works have been complete

Cross Keys Section Path Upgrade

From the Citylink Overpass (north of Reynard & Woodland Streets) and continuing up to the rear of 18 Lyttle Avenue, Essendon (Map at the end of the article)

• Path widening to 3 meters (where possible) to meet shared path standards.
• New barrier fence planned for sections near the creek embankment

These works currently scheduled for the 2024/25 Financial Year.

Long-Term Vision:

While these projects address specific needs, a comprehensive long-term plan for the trail’s improvement and management remains desirable. This could include:

• Further path extensions: Addressing connectivity gaps and creating a more comprehensive network.
• Improved signage: Enhancing wayfinding and providing informative trail guides.
• Ongoing maintenance: Ensuring the trail remains safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all users.

Community input and council collaboration are crucial to developing a clear vision for the trail’s future, ensuring it remains a valuable community asset for generations to come. Reach out to MooneeBUG if you want to get involved or learn more.