Civic Cycle Loop: Bunda Street Design Competition

Civic Cycle Loop: Bunda Street Design Competition

About the project

The Civic Cycle Loop is a 3.2 kilometre cycle path that creates a loop around the City and connects to existing paths that lead into the City. The ACT Government has invested $6 million for the design and construction of the cycle loop which is being undertaken in four sections – Marcus Clarke Street, Bunda Street, Rudd Street and Allara Street.

The first stage of construction on Rudd Street is already underway. Marcus Clarke Street will be the second section constructed followed by Bunda and Allara Streets. The entire project is due for completion in 2014.

Bunda Street

The cycle loop along Bunda Street, between Mort and Akuna Streets, requires special design consideration due to the nature of the street which has high pedestrian/traffic volumes as well as a vibrant retail and hospitality environment.

The ACT Government engaged three separate, highly qualified and experienced urban design consultants to participate in a design competition for this section of the loop. Each consultant has put forward their best design for this space. We want your feedback on which design would work best for the Bunda Street section of the cycle loop.

Concept design by GTA Consultants: The Bunda Street shareway

This design would be delivered in two stages.

Key features of stage one include:

· creating a shared space environment for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists

· introducing a low speed zone (possibly 10 kilometres per hour)

· raised entry thresholds at each end of Bunda Street

· additional kerb ramps to improve access for mobility impaired people, pedestrians and cyclists

· removal of formal crossings

· a range of designs on the road surface, using semi-permanent stencils

· additional seating, feature lighting and bike parking

· proposal for the revitalisation of Bunda Street through art and music events, pop-up cafés and weekend road closures for festivals.

Key features of stage two include:

· raising the road pavement to current footpath level

· stone paving of the raised surface, similar to the proposed entry thresholds and current footpaths

· feature lighting in the pavement

· graphics or stone etching to continue the creative elements of Stage One, providing a permanent, high quality treatment

· additional street trees in Water Sensitive Urban Design tree pits (rain gardens).

For more details on this design please see the GTA Consultants concept design fact sheet.

Concept design by Spackman Mossop and Michaels: The separated cycleway

Key features of this design include:

· a two-way separated cycle path along the southern side of Bunda Street between Mort and Akuna Streets

· motion sensor flashing lights that separate the cycleway from pedestrian and vehicle traffic within the shared zone

· change of paving material in shared zones to alert drivers and cyclists (honeycomb surface for cyclists) of change of conditions and pedestrian priority

· grade separated cycleway utilising footpath kerb and raised median

· retention of all existing parking, loading zones, taxi ranks and short stay parking spaces

· separated barrier which clarifies cyclist, pedestrian and vehicle movements along Bunda Street

· wide vehicle lane for large delivery vehicles

· provision of four separate left-in, left-out access points allowing easy access for vehicles along Bunda Street

· one-way vehicle traffic flow (southbound) along Bunda Street from Mort Street to Akuna Street

· introduction of a 40 kilometre per hour speed limit

· minimal disruption to stormwater and existing infrastructure during construction

· potential for a Bike Hub Facility between City Walk and Bunda Street.

For more details on this design please see the Spackman Mossop and Michaels concept design fact sheet.

Concept design by Tract: Bunda Street shared space

Key features of this design include:

· shared environments at intersections with the road pavement at the same level as the footpath

· intersections paved with a different material to reinforce the slow speed environment

· proposed speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour to slow motorists, increase pedestrian connectivity and create a slow speed environment for cyclists

· all existing traffic movements retained

· existing loading zones and commercial/delivery vehicle use of the space to be reviewed to improve visibility along the street and improve parking turnover

· an increase in existing parking numbers by four spaces

· the upgrade of footpaths between Akuna and Petrie Streets to match the recently upgraded sections of the street

· improve pedestrian amenity by proposing the removal of movable signs that block the footpath e.g. ‘A’ frame signs

· installation of garden areas along kerbside of footpath

· improved streetscape between Akuna and Petrie Streets through the installation of bike racks, additional seating, bins, new light poles, a drinking fountain and bottle filling station

· existing areas that have been upgraded are not impacted by proposals.

For more details on this design please see the Tract concept design fact sheet.

Have your say

To view the three designs and submit feedback visit:

· the public display at the Canberra Centre (opposite Big W) until 5 pm Wednesday 30 January 2013;

· the public display at the Civic Library from 9 am Thursday 31 January to 5 pm Thursday 7 February 2013; or

· www.timetotalk.act.gov.au

Consultation closes 5 pm Monday 4 March 2013.

More information

For more information about the Civic Cycle Loop project visit www.timetotalk.act.gov.au or call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.