Construction of the Belconnen bikeway is now complete with the new 4.7 kilometre route open to the public.
Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel said the bikeway comprised of shared and separated cycling and pedestrian facilities.
Mr Steel said the bikeway was expected to improve accessibility, provide safer and more efficient commutes and deliver more opportunities for weekend recreation.
“The new bikeway starts on Coulter Drive in Florey and continues along the old busway on Joynton Smith Drive to the Belconnen Town Centre, continuing along Emu Bank through to the University of Canberra to Haydon Drive via College Street,” Mr Steel said.
“The on-road cycleway through the old busway was opened for use in September, followed by the section along Emu Bank in October,” he said.
Mr Steel said the project delivered 1,400 metres of shared path, 1,475 metres of pedestrian-only path, 2,141 metres of cyclist-only path and a 440 metre on-road cycleway through the old busway on Joynton Smith Drive.
The Minister said the busway section also featured pedestrian paths, new grassing and more than 110 trees, along with LED lighting to ensure the safety of cyclists and other users.
“The Belconnen Bikeway has seen the planting of around 200 new trees to create shade along the entire route,” he said.
“A combination of native and exotic species has been planted helping to provide shade that supports active travel along the bikeway.”
Mr Steel said design work for an extension of the bikeway from Haydon Drive to CIT Bruce would commence in the new year.
