In 2021, Council will create almost 3km of new shared paths in three Blue Mountains towns/villages.
The new pedestrian pathways include 600 metres at both Glenbrook and Lawson, and 1600 metres at Wentworth Falls.
These towns are high priority for works as they provide much-needed connections from their centres to popular destinations.
"Providing shared paths in key locations encourages the whole community to ditch the car, get active and safely reach some of the wonderful recreational activities we have in the Blue Mountains," said Mayor Mark Greenhill.
"Improving connections benefits everyone, including those in our community living with disability.
"We have been liaising with residents for some time on the issue of shared pathways, so we know the need for more pedestrian footpaths is very important to many people."
Following consultation last year, the footpaths will provide pedestrian connections to the following locations:
- Hare and Levy Street in Glenbrook will connect to Knapsack Oval, a busy sporting complex, to Glenbrook Village.
- Wilson and Cleveland Street in Lawson will connect the Lawson Village and school to South Lawson Park.
- Sinclair Avenue will connect Wentworth Falls village to Wentworth Falls Lake Park, one of the four district parks in the Blue Mountains.
"These shared paths also connect to broader walking and cycling networks," said Mayor Greenhill. "And we encourage the community to keep talking to us ahead of construction to find out how the works will affect them."
A series of drop-in sessions at each of these locations has been arranged for this purpose:
- Wentworth Falls - Friday, 26 February 5pm to 7pm, WWF School of Arts
- Glenbrook - Saturday, 27 February 8am to 10am, Glenbrook CWA Hall/Early Childhood Centre
- Lawson - Thursday, 4 March 4pm to 6pm, Mid Mountains Community Centre
While works take place, Council will take measures to minimise disruption to impacted residents and will work around significant trees and shrubs so they don't have to be removed. There will be limited pruning where necessary, so that pedestrians can safely pass.
The shared path upgrade is funded through the Western Parkland City Liveability Program.
For more information and maps, go to: yoursay.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/active-transport-links-footpaths.
