Advocacy Wins: Long-Neglected Melrose Drive Underpass Finally Repaired and Upgrade
May 7, 2025
After more than a year of closure, repairs to the Melrose Drive underpass in Woden are finally set to wrap up by mid-May. The underpass suffered serious structural damage in April 2024 when a stolen vehicle was driven into it and set alight. The intense heat compromised the structure, leading to a 13-month repair and restoration process.
While the closure has been a major inconvenience to bike riders and pedestrians, there’s a silver lining: the once dingy and uninviting underpass has received a much-needed facelift. As part of the works, the tunnel now features new LED lighting and a cleaner, safer feel for active travel users.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, high-visibility bollards have been installed at the entrances. Although Pedal Power typically considers bollards a last resort, in this case, the installation of vehicle barriers is a necessary safety measure. We’ve been assured that the new bollards meet modern standards and are designed to be highly visible to bike riders.
Importantly, this restoration also highlights the value of persistent advocacy. Years before the incident, Pedal Power volunteers had raised the deteriorating state of the underpass and its approaches directly with Minister Chris Steel, citing frequent vandalism and the need for upgrades. Unfortunately, these warnings went unheeded. The eventual result? A much larger repair bill and extended closure that could have been avoided.
This underpass upgrade stands as a hard-won outcome, one that underscores the importance of proactive investment in cycling infrastructure. Pedal Power will continue pushing for safer, more accessible routes across the city, and for maintenance and upgrades before things go up in smoke.
Can you help? Road and route closures and traffic congestion will change often. If you see anything that you think should be mentioned here, please call or email Pedal Power (communications@pedalpower.org.au) and help us to keep this regular bulletin up to date. Thank you!
