Upgrade to 'notorious' Vic traffic bridge

One of Melbourne's worst traffic bottlenecks will be upgraded to improve efficiency and safety, the premier says.

The Swan Street Bridge, which runs through Richmond, Cremorne and Burnley, will be widened with an additional lane and new bike and pedestrian areas.

Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters on Sunday the $30 million project was a "little smaller" than others in the pipeline, in terms of dollar investment, but its impact on safety was just as important.

THE BRIDGE BY NUMBERS:

* 30,000 vehicles use it each day

* Carries 1000 cyclists per hour in peak hours

* Work to begin in 2017

* Due for completion in first half of 2018

* Additional lane brings bridge to five traffic lanes

* Will save motorists about five minutes in peak hours

* Investment = $30 million

* Will create 50 jobs

(Source: Victorian Government)