Penrith City Council has started constructing a new shared path along Factory Road, Regentville, to make it safer for people to walk, run and cycle to the Nepean River.
The three-metre-wide shared path will run the length of Factory Road, from Mulgoa Road to the Nepean River, and connect with existing pathways at Tench Reserve.
New raised crossings, road pavement and stormwater drainage improvements, kerb and guttering, street lighting upgrades, along with tree planting and landscaping will further enhance and improve safety along the road.
The project is funded by a $4.46 million grant through the NSW Government's 2024-2025 Get NSW Active Program, in partnership with Council.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said it was exciting to see work underway on the long-awaited shared path.
"As Glenmore Park has grown, we've seen Factory Road become a lot busier with many of the residents using the road to get to the Nepean River," Cr Carney said.
"The new shared path will encourage people to leave their cars at home by giving them a safe way to run, walk or cycle to the river, which in turn will help to ease traffic congestion.
"Trees and shrubs are also being planted as part of the project which will boost green canopy, provide shade over time and help reduce urban heat in the warmer months."
Transport for NSW's Executive Director Cities Integration Kathryn Crestani said Transport for NSW was thrilled to support Penrith City Council in delivering this exciting project for the community.
"The Factory Road shared path will provide a safe, accessible and healthy travel option to encourage families and the wider community to get outdoors for a relaxing walk or a fun-filled bike ride near the Nepean River," Ms Crestani said.
"This is another great example of a Get NSW Active project being delivered by local councils around the state to create more safe, easy and enjoyable walking and cycling trips."
Member for Badgerys Creek Tanya Davies said she was pleased to have supported and secured funding for the Factory Road shared path, which will provide residents with enhanced connectivity and encourage active lifestyles.
Connecting paths are also being constructed along Loftus Street and Spencer Street.
Construction work will be completed in late 2025.
This project was identified as a priority in Council's 2021 Penrith Green Grid Strategy and the Penrith Accessible Trails Hierarchy Study (PATHS) Implementation Plan 2022-2032, which focuses on delivering and improving bicycle and shared paths for a liveable, active and accessible Penrith.
Find out more at: yoursaypenrith.com.au/factoryroad
Photo captions:
Factory Road #1 photo caption (L:R): Transport for NSW's Executive Director Cities Integration Kathryn Crestani and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney on Factory Road, at the intersection of Loftus Street, with shared path works underway in the background.
Factory Road #2 photo caption (L:R): Transport for NSW's Executive Director Cities Integration Kathryn Crestani and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney walking along part of the new pathway on Loftus Street, with Factory Road in the background.