Case Studies
Bowen Place Crossing
Design Feature
Type of project
Infrastructure
State
Australian Capital Territory
Location
Urban
Bowen Place Crossing in Canberra replaced a dangerous, at-grade crossing on busy Bowen Drive with a fit-for-purpose age friendly pedestrian and cyclist underpass. Recognising the significant opportunity for place making within the Parliamentary Triangle, the strategy was to create a simple and elegant design which would respect the National heritage significance of the adjacent Parliamentary Vista and National Gallery of Australia (NGA), while establishing new landscape connections with the heritage values of the locality. The design also enables increased activity for people living in the residential precincts of Kingston Foreshore, Barton, Manuka and Kingston.
The crossing is the final link in the five-kilometre Lake Burley Griffin Loop. The new design features a cycling and walking path, and a small, informal plaza on the lake edge, which provides opportunities for rest and socialising. Together, these changes create a perfect heart-healthy environment for people of all ages and capabilities.
The crossing is the final link in the five-kilometre Lake Burley Griffin Loop. The new design features a cycling and walking path, and a small, informal plaza on the lake edge, which provides opportunities for rest and socialising. Together, these changes create a perfect heart-healthy environment for people of all ages and capabilities.
Adding the missing link
Through a design-led approach to infrastructure provision, Bowen Place Crossing offers a safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists that is age friendly and promotes active living under Canberra’s Kings Avenue Bridge.
Initial public and stakeholder consultation for the Crossing was conducted by the National Capital Authority (NCA) during 2009 and 2010. During December 2009, a representative group of key stakeholders were briefed on eight options for improving the pedestrian and cyclist crossing. The key stakeholders provided the NCA with a series of options to address the significant safety concerns of the crossing.
Initial public and stakeholder consultation for the Crossing was conducted by the National Capital Authority (NCA) during 2009 and 2010. During December 2009, a representative group of key stakeholders were briefed on eight options for improving the pedestrian and cyclist crossing. The key stakeholders provided the NCA with a series of options to address the significant safety concerns of the crossing.
Of these options, three conceptual designs underwent public consultation in 2010. They included:
Of the respondents, 97 per cent favoured the footbridge option presented. In addition to these three options, the NCA also received feedback from the public that a grade separated underpass solution should be considered.
Following further preliminary technical investigation of the site, immediate surrounds and other relevant project parameters, the conclusion was reached that an underpass solution was the most appropriate conceptual approach for the Crossing. This conclusion carefully weighed the advantages and disadvantages of both underpass and overpass.
- A footbridge over Bowen Place
- A ramp and stairs with traffic signals (immediately adjacent to the existing Kings Avenue pedestrian ‘off ramp’) and
- Taffic signals at the existing crossing
Of the respondents, 97 per cent favoured the footbridge option presented. In addition to these three options, the NCA also received feedback from the public that a grade separated underpass solution should be considered.
Following further preliminary technical investigation of the site, immediate surrounds and other relevant project parameters, the conclusion was reached that an underpass solution was the most appropriate conceptual approach for the Crossing. This conclusion carefully weighed the advantages and disadvantages of both underpass and overpass.
A principal objective for this project was to ensure the safe and separated movement of cars, pedestrians and cyclists at road and lake level, but the solution sought more than just clever traffic engineering. The completed crossing comprises a light filled and generous pedestrian and cycling underpass, enabling easy and convenient active travel; a small informal plaza on the lake edge; and a rain garden that connects users to a nature-based destination. The lengthy consultation process produced the design and provision of a valuable public open space; the minimalism of which generates a sense of place by highlighting the natural surroundings of the crossing, adding human scale and a varied character to Canberra’s formal public spaces.
Health value
- Bowen Place Crossing encourages users to be physically active in an area that was previously unsafe and unappealing. The new crossing makes active travel the easiest choice, as it forms a link in the five-kilometre link.
- All paths are designed with fully accessible grades and width to function as shared paths.
Economic value
- The completion to the Lake Burley Griffin Loop encourages users to actively travel around the area, increasing the amount of time spent and prospective spend within the local economy.
Environmental Value
- As the crossing completes the Lake Burley Griffin Loop, it encourages residents within the area and visitors to enjoy the beautiful Canberra sites around the lake while cycling, running or walking, reducing the amount of travel by private motor vehicles.
- The design of the crossing features a rain garden which collects and filters surface water from Bowen Place before it enters the lake, improving run-off water quality.
Social value
- The design promotes interaction and socialising through the wide paths and plaza, and is a strong example of connective infrastructure and active healthy spaces and places.
Use value
- The Crossing allows pedestrians and cyclists to safely and quickly cross Bowen Drive. This promotes active travel as a means for commuting into the City Centre.
- The landscaped plaza and connection to the surrounding environment accentuates the natural beauty of the area and provides a pleasant place to relax.
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