People walking and cycling will soon share safer access to a popular beachside precinct following upgrades from City of Newcastle.
New shared path connections and improved crossing facilities will be delivered as part of the projects, which are located adjacent to Bar Beach and King Edward Park.
State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp and City of Newcastle Executive Manager Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter with the City of Newcastle work crew completing the shared path connection on Bar Beach Avenue, as part of the Memorial Drive crossing upgrade.
The projects have each received $500,000 through the NSW Government's Get NSW Active funding program.
State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the Minns Labor Government is committed to improving active transport infrastructure and encouraging people to leave the car at home.
"The benefits of active transport are boundless. It supports personal physical and mental health, environmental health, and the health of our community," Mr Crakanthorp said.
"Both of these projects extend and improve the safety our city's most iconic walking track, working towards a safer, more active Newcastle."
Executive Manager Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter said the work forms part of City of Newcastle's ongoing commitment to supporting active travel options.
"City of Newcastle is dedicated to delivering projects that support the entire community to be able to enjoy getting where they need to go safely, with good pathway connections, safe crossings and calm streets," Mr Tranter said.
"Memorial Drive and Reserve Road are key points of access to King Edward Park and Empire Park, Cooks Hill Surf Club and the beach.
"Improved pathways and crossings will help us all enjoy walking and bike riding, which is in alignment with Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan in promoting active transport as the best way to connect to our key areas around the city."
Work has already begun on the Bar Beach upgrade, which will include safety improvements to the pedestrian refuge on Bar Beach Avenue and a new shared path connection.
This will meet up with a new raised shared path crossing from Empire Park across Memorial Drive through to Bathers Way, which replaces the existing zebra crossing and refuge island on Memorial Drive.
Landscaped kerb extensions and a new narrow median will be installed to create a safer and more streamlined solution for all road users in this area.
City of Newcastle is also delivering a new 320 metre long shared pathway on Reserve Road between York Drive and The Terrace, with work expected to begin in September.
Chair of City of Newcastle's Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said both projects align with City of Newcastle's Cycling Plan 2021-2030.
"By prioritising connected cycleways and pedestrian facilities, walking and riding will become a natural and safe choice for our city," Cr Winney-Baartz said.
"These upgrades will enhance the cycling network in the area, creating an off-road link for cyclists, including the new three-metre-wide path adjacent King Edward Park, providing a much improved transport option for all users of this area."
Both projects will be completed in 2026.
