Joseph Road Precinct

Status

The stage one works include a reconstruction of Joseph Road, between Hopkins Street and the Heavenly Queen Temple, and will see the separated bike lanes leading to the Maribyrnong River installed along Joseph Road South, a raised pedestrian crossing creating a direct link to the pedestrian mall, creation of 20 parallel parking bays, and tree plantings.

The underground drainage system is also being upgraded, integrating a tree pit system along the footpath to ensure the long-term health of the new trees.

To enhance safety and create well-illuminated streets, public lighting is also being upgraded.

The works aim to deliver enhanced public amenities that will improve safety, accessibility, and visual appeal.

Timing and impact of works

Crews are onsite weekdays from 7am to 5pm with some weekend work also required, when hours are 8am to 3pm.

Where significant night works may be required throughout the construction, advance notification will be provided to residents.

Shutdown Period

The contractor will not be working from 23/12/2024 to 10/01/2025.  Work will resume on 13/01/2025.

Work is being carried out in sections to best manage usual traffic movement and to provide access to properties and the external road network, with the road open to local traffic only. 

There will be some noise and dust, but our contractor is doing their best to minimise this.

On-street parking will be impacted during construction, and we encourage residents to park their cars in off-street parking during this time. Residents are also able to park in the Temple car park at their own risk.

Recycling, green waste, and general waste collections will continue as usual during works.

After the New Year, works will continue on the final 100 metre section from the north of Joseph Road to the south of Joseph Road towards Hopkin Street. 

From late August, works are continuing north of the Neilson Place and Joseph Road intersection for up to 8 weeks, weather dependent. During this time on-street carparking will be unavailable to ensure the works can progress quickly and safely.

Works are also underway adjacent to 2 Neilson Place. Traffic controllers are onsite to support the safety of the work crew, pedestrians and road users. Please follow the signs and any instructions from the crew.

Status

Council is working with the Department of Transport and Planning to address safety concerns along the route. Further information of the project prioritisation and timing will be provided when available.

These works will commence after the completion of the Joseph Road reconstruction works, and will include drainage improvements and footpath upgrades on Hopkins Street.

We’ll make every effort to complete works on schedule, however dates are subject to change pending future funding and relative planning approvals.

We will continue to provide you the latest information as it becomes available.

As the Joseph Road Precinct improvement works take place, routine cleaning of the area including street cleansing, weed management and regular graffiti removal is being undertaken.

Regular waste management collections are taking place and we continue to monitor illegal parking within the Precinct.

Status

As of 9 August 2024, works are now complete and the new park is available for community use, however, we are asking residents and visitors to please stay off the grass to give the new turf the best chance to establish to support community use in the warmer months. We have installed bunting to temporarily mark off these areas.

We’ll regularly monitor the turf and provide increased access to the community, when it is safe to do so.

Details

The new public park has been constructed in the Joseph Road Precinct, near the corner of Whitehall and Warde Streets.

Named after Margaret (Lilardia) Tucker, one of Australia's earliest and most notable female Aboriginal activists, it covers an area of approximately 1,444 square metres.

The new park provides an area of open space to support informal play and recreation in addition to the nearby Maribyrnong River and Maribyrnong River Trail.

The Lilardia Park Master Plan was informed by community feedback received in March 2018 which included support for passive open space, extensive garden beds and tree planting, seating, sheltered picnic space and fenced edge to the rail line.

An official opening is being planned when a new artwork honouring Aunty Marg will also be unveiled.

If you have any questions throughout the works please email the Recreation and Open Space team via ros@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Council wrote to the Minister for Roads and Roads Safety in January 2024 advocating for a reduction of the current speed limit of 60km/h on Hopkins Street, Footscray (between Moore Street and the Hopetoun Bridge), to 40km/h to address safety concerns in this area.

Council continues to liaise with the Joseph Road Precinct Action Group who have provided a top ten list of priorities to address pedestrian, cyclists and traffic safety in the precinct. A priority program of improvement works is being finalised with the Action Group.

We are working with the Department of Transport and Planning to address safety improvements along Hopkins Street, including design and approvals for new signals planned for the intersection with Hopkins/Hallenstein Street and Hopkins Street/Joseph Rd safety improvements. As these activities progress, we will be in a better position to understand the timing to deliver the projects, however, we are currently aiming to commence these works by the end of 2024.