Construction has begun on an $18 million bridge that will provide a pedestrian, bicycle and commuter link between Melbourne's Central Business District with Docklands and Southbank.

The Jim Stynes Bridge is intended to shape the development of a vibrant Northbank waterfront precinct, further enhancing amenity and accessibility.

When completed, the new bridge will improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists between the Northbank waterfront, Docklands and Melbourne's CBD. It will traverse beneath the Charles Grimes Bridge and feature an innovative design making it appear as though it is hovering above the water.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy said the Victorian Coalition Government is committed to providing infrastructure to see Northbank develop into a vibrant inner city precinct.

"The Jim Stynes Bridge will significantly enhance the quality of public space, improve access and create better connections to this important part of Melbourne," Guy said.

"The bridge will also create a link in cycling and pedestrian infrastructure between the CBD and Docklands, building on the Coalition Government's recent $18 million commitment to plugging the missing link in Melbourne's north east, the Darebin Creek Trail."

Northbank is a $23 million joint initiative with the Coalition Government and the City of Melbourne which aims to improve walking and cycling access between Spencer Street and Docklands, and along the Yarra River.

Guy also announced the official opening of McCrae Street extension, a further expansion of the traffic and pedestrian network in Docklands.

The McCrae Street extension and footpath, to be delivered by Places Victoria and Kangan Institute, provides greater pedestrian access from the CBD to Batman's Hill, Webb Bridge and Docklands. It will also connect to the Jim Stynes Bridge once completed.

Graphic: Herald Sun

David Wheeldon

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