SHANE Rattenbury says Bunda Street will be transformed into a shared space for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users as part of ACT Government moves to revitalise the city centre.

“A shared space removes the conventional traffic control devices that regulate traffic by separating people from cars and bikes, such as line marking, kerbs and signage. Instead a shared space fully integrates all road users and pedestrians, which encourages negotiation of the space between different road users, resulting in a safe, slow speed and active environment,” Shane said.

Creative pavement treatments will also help make Bunda Street feel less like a conventional road, more pedestrian friendly and safer for all road users.

“The works are being conducted as part of the $6 million Civic Cycle Loop project – a 3.2 kilometre path that loops around the city and connects to existing paths that lead into the city, allowing greater access and safety for cyclists.

“The Civic Cycle Loop is a key Government transport project made up of four sections – Rudd Street, Marcus Clarke Street, Allara Street and Bunda Street. Canberrans are already enjoying the benefits of the Loop on Rudd Street and Marcus Clarke Street – which were completed early 2013 – and will be able to use Allara Street in the coming weeks.

“Unlike other sections of the Loop, which feature segregated cycle lanes on one or both sides of the street, a unique design has been chosen for Bunda Street, known as the Bunda Street shareway.

Key features of the Bunda Street shareway include:

• a 20 kilometre per hour speed limit with minimal signage or traditional line marking
• raised entry thresholds at each end of the street to signify a changed traffic zone
• additional kerb ramps to improve access for people with mobility impairment, pedestrians and cyclists
• removal of formal pedestrian crossings
• additional street trees, seating, feature lighting and bicycle parking
• raised road pavement to the current footpath level at intersections.

“The completed shareway will help revitalise Bunda Street and provide opportunities for the street to support special community events and festivals as well as outdoor dining and pop-up cafes.

“A shared space traffic environment is a relatively new concept for most Canberrans so it will be important to help educate the community on what a shared space is and how to safely use the area. A community awareness and education campaign will be run over the coming months to help prepare people for the completion of this exciting new project.”

Shane said construction will be carried out in two key stages to minimise any impact on pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Stage one will focus on the intersections of Bunda Street with Mort Street and Scotts Crossing. Minor work will also be carried out at the intersection of Bunda Street and Akuna Street.

The construction staging plan has been devised to ensure minimal impact on traders in the area, with footpaths to remain open during the entire construction period and access maintained for delivery vehicles. Construction will be minimised across the Christmas and New Year period to allow for increased Christmas shopping activity.

Access to Bunda Street during stage one will be via Murulla Lane, Genge Street and Petrie Street. Signage will be erected on site to alert people to the work and advise of any detours. Intersection closures will be in place while work is underway.

Work on the Bunda Street shareway is scheduled for completion by early-2015.