Thursday, 4 June 2009
Media Release
From the Minister for Roads and Ports
Cyclists and pedestrians in Spotswood and surrounding suburbs received a major boost today with the start of works on the $3.7 million Brumby Labor Government project to construct a new off-road shared pedestrian and bike path from Hyde Street to Footscray Road.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said the new two kilometre path would improve safety and accessibility for walkers and cyclists in Melbourne’s inner west.
"The Brumby Labor Government is taking action now to keep Melbourne moving, improve our transport network and provide more sustainable and accessible travel options for all Victorians," Mr Pallas said.
"The current Spotswood bike and pedestrian path to the south of Shepherd Bridge provides a vital east-west route and links to the Melbourne CBD, Williamstown and the Federation Trail.
"This new path will deliver a continuous link from Hyde Street to Footscray Road that is not currently provided by the current shared path facilities."
Mr Pallas said the new path, part of the Brumby Labor Government’s $113 million Keeping Melbourne Moving strategy, responded to growing demand for off-road tracks.
"We’ve listened to community concerns about the proximity of the current path users to heavy traffic and the increased cyclist and pedestrian flow on the Shepherd Bridge path," he said.
The existing path runs from Footscray Road Bridge in Footscray, via Hyde Street (east side), Somerville Road (south side), Whitehall Street (east side) and Moreland Street (east side).
The new section will provide a continuous off-road shared path from Williamstown to Docklands. Works are scheduled to be completed by September 2009.
Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan MP said the new path was a significant boost for western suburbs residents.
"Off-road shared-user paths are special cycling and pedestrian routes that are completely separate from the road and therefore will offer a safer and more enjoyable user experience for local cyclists and pedestrians," Mr Noonan said.
"Extending the path between Hyde Street and Footscray Road will give residents a more appealing and safe opportunity to get active in their community and use alternative modes of getting transport.
"Both cycling and walking are environmentally friendly and healthy transport alternatives and we are committed to extending Victoria’s bicycle network in the west and right across the state."
The new path builds on the Brumby Labor Government’s $115 million Victorian Cycling Strategy, a blueprint to increase cycling levels across Victoria by building a better bike network, separating cyclists and other road users where possible and better integrating cycling with public transport.