Diversion around Polly Woodside/South Wharf precinct

[Sam Tait]

Hi

Please read this if you are a cyclist who uses the pedestrian/cycle path around the South Wharf area.

The Polly Woodside is Melbourne's heritage ship, located in the Duke's Dock in the South Wharf/MCEC precinct. The ship is undergoing restoration works to her masts, yards and rigging throughout this year which will necessitate the use of a crane which will impact the shared pedestrian/cycle path.

At this stage we are still negotiating the final details with Plenary (the organisation that manages the overall site surrounding the Polly Woodside, MCEC and Plenary convention centre as well as associated public access spaces), but the first period where we expect to have a crane on site will be Thursday 2nd March and Friday 3rd March.

The crane will enter the area from the Clarendon street access (the front entrance of the MCEC Exhibition Centre or ‘Jeff’s Shed’ as many people know it) between 0600 and 0700 and set up on the west side of the Duke’s Dock. The crane will cease work around 1530 -1600 and move to its overnight storage position on the east side of the Polly Woodside visitors centre (off the shared pedestrian/cycle path).

Whilst the crane is located on the west side of the Duke’s Dock, the shared pedestrian/cycle path will be blocked off and pedestrians and cyclists will be diverted up the ramp. Cyclists will need to dismount to go up the ramp and then may rejoin the shared path at the southern end of the dock. The diagram below explains the controlled area.

We appreciate your patience during these essential works to remove the masts, yards and rigging of the Polly Woodside for refurbishment and renewal.

[fat and old]

Yeah, bull$(%^. The T/C's today were sending all bikes across the front of the boat. No exceptions.

Think I'll remember this post tomorrow and show them.

[Sam Tait]

Yeah, bull$(%^. The T/C's today were sending all bikes across the front of the boat. No exceptions.

Think I'll remember this post tomorrow and show them.

Dear 'fat and old'

On the second day of crane works we had to bring in a second crane in order to allow the shipwrights and riggers better access to sling a particularly difficult piece of timber (difficult because it had deteriorated beyond our expectations). This was not planned, but the additional crane needed to be located in a spot that blocked off the ramp that we had been able to keep open until this point. As a result, the traffic management company had to divert pedestrians and cyclists around on the boardwalk to avoid the work site.

This is a unique and difficult task and not every event can be planned for.

Your patience and understanding would be appreciated.

Samantha

[Sam Tait]

Please be advised that the next crane visit is scheduled for Wednesday 26th April, with the 27th and 28th reserve days in case of bad weather.

[fat and old]

Yeah, bull$(%^. The T/C's today were sending all bikes across the front of the boat. No exceptions.

Think I'll remember this post tomorrow and show them.

Dear 'fat and old'

On the second day of crane works we had to bring in a second crane in order to allow the shipwrights and riggers better access to sling a particularly difficult piece of timber (difficult because it had deteriorated beyond our expectations). This was not planned, but the additional crane needed to be located in a spot that blocked off the ramp that we had been able to keep open until this point. As a result, the traffic management company had to divert pedestrians and cyclists around on the boardwalk to avoid the work site.

This is a unique and difficult task and not every event can be planned for.

Your patience and understanding would be appreciated.

Samantha

Probably a bit late....but the T/C's were allowing some peds through. Not all, but some. Maybe I should be better looking

Either way, kudos +++ for actually backing up your initial post and engaging with the cycling community. Not many others do.