Construction has begun on a new pedestrian and cycle path linking the Exhibition Park in Canberra to Sandford Street in Canberra’s north.
The Minister for Roads and Active Travel, Chris Steel said the project addressed key missing links on Canberra’s cycle and footpath network and would make the Mitchell business precinct more accessible.
“This new shared path forms part of [a] vision to create a Flemington Road principal cycle route, connecting the City to Gungahlin via Dickson,” Mr Steel said.
“The new shared path will also provide a much needed pedestrian link between the two existing light rail stations at Well Station Drive and EPIC, and the future stop on Sandford Street,” he said.
Mr Steel said the stage from Well Station Drive to Sandford Street replaced the temporary path removed as part of work on Flemington Road to build light rail.
“Altogether the two stages will provide two kilometres of 2.5 metre-wide asphalt walking and cycling path on the eastern side of Flemington Road,” he said.
He said the shared path would be constructed in two stages in order to deliver the connection more quickly, with the first stage between Randwick Road and Sandford Steet.
“The first stage of works includes around 700 metres of shared path and landscaping, including approximately 20 new trees, along its length.”
Mr Steel said he expected pedestrians would be able to use the first stage early in the New Year, with work on the more complex second stage between Sandford Street and Well Station Drive expected to be completed mid next year, following further design work underway.
