Construction is now underway on the next stage of the Green Spine path in Chirnside Park, which will connect the Chirnside Park shopping centre to Old Melbourne Road and onto the Maroondah Council boundary at Hughes Park.
This stage of construction (3A) will add one kilometre of walking and cycling trail along the Maroondah Highway road reserve. It is due for completion in July this year.
The final stage (3B) will connect Fletcher Rd down to the Homemaker Centre which is the last crucial missing link of the Green Spine network– featuring an all-accessible elevated walkway.
This stage is to go out to tender and construction later this year.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Richard Higgins, said the Green Spine project had been a priority for Council since its Chirnside Park Master Plan was created in 2008.
"We know that, for a number of years, Chirnside residents have wanted better connection between the shopping areas in town," Cr Higgins said.
"Before this project, the only way to travel between the Chirnside Park Shopping Centre and other precincts in town, such as the nearby high school, was to drive or catch a bus.
"I'm excited to say that we're nearing the final stages of the project and community members of all abilities will soon find it much easier to get around."
The Green Spine project has involved construction of shared pedestrian and cycle paths, going through landscaped areas on both sides of Maroondah Highway.
More than 600 plants are to be planted throughout the project, street furniture, lighting and wayfinding signage will also be installed.
"This project will give community members a scenic area to walk, run and cycle, while providing local businesses with increased foot traffic and giving visitors a reason to stop and explore the region," Cr Higgins said.
