Grade-separated crossings provide cyclists and pedestrians spatial separation from motor vehicles. Grade separation is generally implemented at busy intersections or across major roads. These crossings generally take the form of an overpass (bridge) or underpass (tunnel).
Existing structures such as culverts can be retrofitted to provide a grade separated crossing. When well designed and aligned with desire lines, grade separation reduces the road safety risk of crossing a road, and can improve the level of service by reducing delay to all users when compared with at-grade crossing provisions. Review the planning considerations of a grade-separated facility to ensure it is suitable for the target users.
There are no specific legal considerations associated with providing overpasses or underpasses.
CloseGuidance for the design of over or underpasses for pedestrians and cyclists can be found in the Austroads Guide to Road Design 6A(external link).
Urban design guidance for the design of bridges and underpasses is provided in Bridging the Gap Sections 4.8 and 4.9.
Barriers and fences
Barriers (to prevent falls) and fences may be necessary safety features on cycle routes, however they can be a hazard in their own right, or impact negatively on landscape values.
The Barriers and fences on cycling routes design guidance note provides guidance on barrier requirements for bridges and structures, fencing and edge treatments for paths, snag risk mitigation, and other design considerations.
Barriers and fences on cycling routes design guidance note [PDF, 1.4 MB]
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