A complete active travel connection between Weston Creek and Woden is a step closer with construction on the first stage of the Heysen Street Link finished and the second stage of works now underway.
"I am very pleased to announce that construction has been completed and the fences removed on the first stage of the Heysen Street Link connecting Weston Creek and Woden," Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said.
"We know this path is an important link for commuters, with the new connection through Oakey Hill Nature Reserve providing a more direct and safer route for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrian users."
The new three-metre wide asphalt shared path begins at the intersection of Heysen Street and Hilder Street, through the Oakey Hill Nature Reserve, ending at the intersection of Devonport Street and Derwent Street.
"In addition to the new shared path, we've provided safer crossing points for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrian users as well as LED lighting along the route to make it safer to use outside of daylight hours.
"What is most pleasing about this project is that its construction was driven by the community. I'd like to sincerely thank and congratulate those members of our community who worked so hard to be heard and to get this project funded."
This is just the start of the active travel investment in this region, with another two stages of the Heysen Street Link already committed to and work underway in the Woden Town Centre.
"As we continue to navigate our changing lives as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACT Government remains committed to delivering jobs and supporting the Canberra economy.
Our own fast-track program is funding the second stage of the Heysen Street Link which commenced construction last week, with the third stage set to commence construction next year.
Stage two of the Heysen Street Link will deliver an off-road shared path from the underpass near the Lyons shops, along Launceston Street to Burnie Street.
The third stage is an on-road protected cycle path along Devonport Street between Derwent Street and the Lyons shops and is expected to start construction in the first half of 2021.
Work is also well underway on the 1.1 kilometre protected cycleway through the Woden Town Centre on Corinna Street.
This project is creating a safer and more efficient route for cyclists, separating them from both pedestrians and other road users.
"It's great to see so many upgrades underway and being delivered across Canberra. I'd like to thank the community for their patience whilst we need to temporarily close roads and intersections to help construct these new active travel projects.
"These projects are creating jobs, they're stimulating our local economy and most importantly they're making it easier, safer and more attractive for our community to get out of the car and walk and cycle more."
