Construction of almost one kilometre of shared pathway is about to begin in Jesmond to help make it easier to walk and ride safely in the suburb.
The work is part of City of Newcastle's $2.6 million Jesmond Cycleway project, which will also include the installation of two new bridges across Dark Creek, more trees, fresh landscaping and new lighting to enhance visibility.
The new pathway will run along the western side of Blue Gum Road and eventually over Dark Creek, passing through Heaton Park and MacClure Reserve.
Chair of City of Newcastle's Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee, Councillor Joel Pringle, said the project will create a safer off-road route that connects key destinations and improve green spaces.
"Jesmond is a key area for active transport, connecting destinations such as the University of Newcastle, Wallsend, Jesmond Park and the shopping centre," Cr Pringle said.
"Jesmond's population has grown by 13% since 2021 and features a large proportion of young families, renters and young adults who tend to use public transport and bikes at higher rates than other suburbs.
"As part of our review of Newcastle 2040, our Community Strategic Plan, residents told us they want safe, active and linked movement across the city, including accessible, connected cycleways and pedestrian networks.
"This project will fill an important gap in the cycleway network and give people in the region more opportunities to leave their car at home and choose active transport."
The Jesmond Cycleway project is being delivered in stages and is expected to be completed in late 2027.
The Jesmond Cycleway project is being delivered by City of Newcastle supported by a $2 million grant through the NSW Government's Get NSW Active funding program.
Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said she's very pleased the NSW Government has provided City of Newcastle $2 million for the upgrading of Jesmond shared pathways.
"Linking nearby Wallsend with Heaton Park, Jesmond Central Shops and the Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre, as well as the nearby University of Newcastle Callaghan campus, this shared pathway will provide additional amenity for walkers, cyclists and other active transport users," Ms Hornery said.
Work kicked off earlier this year with the construction of a new shared path on the eastern side of Blue Gum Road, a raised shared path crossing near the corner of Heaton Park. The work also included road resurfacing, new signage and fresh line marking on Blue Gum Road.
City of Newcastle's Executive Manager of Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter said the project will enable more people to comfortably walk and ride.
"The shared pathway will be more than 900m long and three metres wide, providing plenty of room for a range of users of different abilities," Mr Tranter said.
"We want to encourage walking and riding as everyday travel options, delivering connections that enable everyone to move freely in their community.
"Throughout construction there will be temporary changes for motorists and pedestrians around the work zone, with traffic controls in place to keep everyone safe.
"A handful of trees will need to be removed to accommodate the new shared pathway, but we'll be replacing them with 22 new trees within the project area to provide more shade."
