The first stage of a $2.6 million shared path, linking Soldiers Road and Naru Street at Pelican, is now open, creating a safer and more accessible active transport connection.
The 480m Ron Brown Way extension is being built across two stages, the first of which now stretches from Naru Street to Lake Macquarie Airport.
The Australian Government contributed $1.3 million to the project through the Active Transport Fund, with the remaining funding provided by Council and the NSW Government through its Get NSW Active Program.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the project would add to the city's existing 136km network of shared paths and was named in honour of lifelong local Ron Brown, a key figure in securing the project for the community.
"After years of seeing kids having to walk or ride along the highway to get to Marks Point and Belmont after reaching the end of Soldiers Road, he became very active in pushing for this shared path," he said.
"Traffic volumes are increasing along the Pacific Highway, and this will provide a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as improved access to bus stops and crossing points."
Mr Brown's widow, Marilyn, said her family was "immensely proud and grateful" for both the path and the fact it was named in his honour.
"Ron took every opportunity at sporting events, shopping centres and local gatherings and events to lobby for the safety of his family and community," she said.
"We're extremely proud. He would be very humbled by the honour of naming the shared pathway after him. He would not have expected it but would have been chuffed."
Federal Member for Shortland Pat Conroy said it was great to see all levels of government come together to deliver the shared path, and particularly heartening to see it named after such an impassioned local.
"Ron was a passionate advocate for the local community, constantly working to make it a safer and better place. It's fitting that his legacy will live on through this shared path bearing his name," he said.
"The Federal Government is committed to working with Council and the NSW Government to help deliver the infrastructure our community needs. This project will make it safer and easier for people to travel around our community. It's always great to see when all levels of government work together to deliver for locals."
Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said the project was a direct response to long-standing community concerns and a clear example of Government listening and delivering.
"This is what happens when a community refuses to be ignored. The Minns Labor Government has listened and we're stepping up to get it done," she said.
"People deserve to feel safe walking to school, down their street or along shared paths without second guessing it.
"This will change how people live day to day and improve liveability of our community for generations to come."
Stage Two of the project is currently in the design phase. It includes a 300m extension of the shared pathway from the southern side of Soldiers Road to Lake Macquarie Airport, along with road intersection upgrades. The works will connect with Stage One to create a safer, continuous pathway.
