The City of Melbourne has been working closely with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) ahead of the opening of the West Gate Tunnel later this year.

Through these discussions, we’ve agreed to progress the design of the Hawke Street Linear Park project in early 2026 with a view to commencing works – once people have adjusted to the new traffic conditions. Before the tunnel opens, we’ve worked with DTP to roll out a range of interim measures in local streets across North and West Melbourne to help ensure these neighbourhoods aren’t used as shortcuts by motorists.

You can find more detail about these changes at Transport Amenity Program.

Since our last update, we’ve also been working through the complexities posed by underground services along Hawke Street. We’ll share more details once this planning is finalised with DTP. In the meantime, we’re collaborating with DTP on other greening and active transport initiatives to benefit the community in the short term.

We know many residents have been looking forward to the Hawke Street Linear Park, and we remain committed to delivering this important project in partnership with DTP.