Projects

Queen Street shared use path bridge and safer speed limit

We’re building a new shared use path (SUP) bridge for bike riders and pedestrians over Laverton Creek, Altona. .

Project status:

Underway

Image of an artists impression of the Queen Street shared use path bridge

Project update – July 2026

Crews are now onsite ready to build the new Queen Street shared use path (SUP) bridge in Altona.

The SUP bridge will sit next to the existing road bridge and provide an east-west link for the community across the Laverton Creek, improving safety and connectivity for walkers and bike riders wanting to access local schools, recreation facilities and green spaces.

We have established the site on both sides of the bridge to allow safe access for our workers and specialist machinery, including large cranes that will be used to install the SUP bridge.

We expect the bridge construction to be completed in early 2027.

What to expect during construction

The majority of construction activity will be carried out between 7am and 5pm weekdays.
There may be times later in the project when we will need to work at night and we will inform the community ahead of any night works.
A reduced speed limit will be in place along Queen Street past the active work area for the duration of works to ensure the safety of workers and road users.
Queens Street will remain open during construction, though we may need to close the road for a short period to lift the bridge structures into place. We’ll keep the community informed of changes to traffic management.
To accommodate the site compound, a short section of the Laverton Creek Trail between the Altona Sports Centre and the Laverton Creek will be closed for the duration of the works, with safe and accessible signed detours in place for walkers and bike riders.
A section of the shared use path on the east side of Laverton Creek will also be closed during the project, with signed detours in place.

Vegetation removal

To provide sufficient space to safely undertake site establishment and construction activities, we have had to clear vegetation from both sides of the river. This was necessary for us to safely undertake construction activities that include establishing site access, installing temporary site infrastructure, plant/machinery movement, and undertaking piling works.

The vegetation removal has been limited to what is necessary to safely and efficiently deliver the project works.

Prior to works beginning, an independent arboriculture assessment was completed, which confirmed no high value vegetation is being removed.

Once construction is complete, we will reinstate the site and undertake a landscaping/replanting program.

Design

Click on the below link to see a before and after aerial view, showing an artist impressions of the bridge now and once it is complete.

View aerial view

About the project

The local Altona community and Hobsons Bay City Council have long supported a safer connection for bike riders and pedestrians over Laverton Creek.

The existing road bridge is used by more than 16,000 vehicles a day and has no separation for pedestrians and bike riders.

Between 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2025, 15 crashes occurred on Queen Street between Victoria and Maidstone streets. Four crashes involved bike riders and four resulted in serious injury, highlighting the importance of building this new connection for the safety of the community.

The shared use path bridge will run parallel to the existing road bridge on Queen Street. It will fill a missing east to west link for bike riders and pedestrians, and provide a safer environment for all road users.

We’re also introducing a safer 60km/h speed limit on Queen Street from Maidstone Street to east of the Laverton Creek Bridge.

By making sure the speed limit is right for all road users we can help prevent crashes from happening, and reduce their severity when they do occur.

Why are we building a separate shared use bridge?

Queen Street Bridge is one of the key connectors between the east and west of Hobsons Bay. There is high demand for pedestrian and bike rider facilities in the area due to the proximity of the Altona Sports Centre, Laverton Football Club, Altona Pirates Basketball Club, Queen of Peace Parish Primary School and Catholic Church, as well as various beaches and parks.

The new SUP bridge will improve safety and connectivity by creating a dedicated and accessible path for bike riders and pedestrians, where they currently have to take a significant detour.

By improving safety and access for people walking and bike riding, more people will be encouraged to use active modes to cross Laverton Creek.

A safer speed limit on Queen Street

We’ve improved safety for all road users by introducing a safer 60km/h speed limit on Queen Street from Maidstone Street to east of the Laverton Creek bridge.

The new 60km/h speed limit, introduced in September 2025, is helping to reduce the likelihood and the severity of road crashes and improve the road environment for everyone.

Image of a map showing the speed limit change along Queen Street in Altona