Bike path to connect suburbs

A NEW shared cycling and pedestrian track is on the way for the city’s north-western suburbs.

Linking Wendouree and Mitchell Park, the almost three-kilometre concrete path will run along Learmonth Road.

The project is set to cost $915,000, and City of Ballarat CEO Evan King said it will make the area a safer to enjoy a walk or ride.

“The shared pedestrian and cycling path aims to improve safety for cyclists in Ballarat, by creating a separate cycling route along the railway corridor and key routes,” he said.

“This will mean cyclists can avoid using major arterial roads and not compete with vehicles.

“This new safe, separated path means it is suitable for and safe for both inexperienced riders and school children as well as confident commuters.

“It is critical to maintaining the lifestyle and accessibility so valued by our Ballarat community.”

The path will begin at Waringa Drive in Mitchell Park and end near Central Highlands Water’s offices near Wendouree Station.

At 2.5 metres wide, the track will include a pedestrian refuge near the start point.

Funded by Regional Roads Victoria, the project is part of the $9.3 million Ballarat Safer Cycling Connections program that also includes the Sturt Street shared path and intersection upgrades, and the Wendouree to Ballarat Railway Corridor.

The path is part of the City’s Bicycle Action Plan 2017-25, which Mr King said is providing the ongoing framework for Ballarat’s arterial cycling circuits.

“The plan prioritises delivery of safe and continuous routes, which will have the greatest impact on increasing the number of everyday cyclists, in preference to supporting individual projects across the city,” he said.

It is expected the Learmonth path will comprise a future bicycle and pedestrian link to Miner’s Rest.

With tender applications closed on Monday, 27 June, works are expected to begin in August.