A report released today reveals a $25.6 million plan to redevelop Swanston Street that would see dedicated bike lanes, private vehicles and taxis access removed, new street furniture and lighting the construction of four new tram stops.

Under the plan, which will be put before Melbourne City councilors for endorsement on 2 February, private vehicles and taxis will be banned from the city's major road and delivery vans will be given limited entry.

The project, which has been spearheaded by Professor Rob Adams, includes four platform-like tram stops that will act as public space.

Large civic spaces at RMIT, Bourke Street Mall, State Library and City Square would create a “civic spine”, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said.

He says Swanston Street could be car-free by 2012. In April and May 2009, a community consultation process, which offered seven future options for the street, resulted in a majority of people supporting the a plan with fewer cars and greater emphasis on public transport, bikes and people.

Melbourne City councilors will decide next week whether preliminary design documentation for the block between Little Lonsdale and LaTrobe Streets should go ahead.

They will also agree whether or not to extend the intermittent closure of Swanston Street for private vehicles between LaTrobe Street and Flinders Street from 12 hours to 24 hours per day.

Gemma Battenbough

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