The City of Greater Bendigo will undertake a $255,000 project to improve safety and accessibility along the O'Keefe Rail Trail off Longlea Lane.
The project will include:
- Construction of two unisex toilet facilities (one accessible)
- Construction of a new car parking area (for up to 16 vehicles)
- Installation of a shelter with picnic tables
- Installation of five new bike hoops
- Improvements to the entrance of Peppercorn Park
City of Greater Bendigo Active and Healthy Communities Manager Amy Johnston said the works are designed to improve the experience for all users of the trail.
"The O'Keefe Rail Trail is used for horse-riding, cycling and walking, with cycling and walking numbers having grown rapidly over the last two years," Ms Johnston said.
"Currently, cars park along the narrow shoulder of Longlea Lane to unload their bikes which creates a potential conflict with road users in a 100km/h zone. The creation of a new car park off the road within the Peppercorn Park reserve will remove this conflict and make it safer for trail users.
"The new toilets and shelter will provide essential facilities for all trail users. It will also provide opportunities to start and finish at different points of the trail for new experiences and distances."
The works are planned to begin late May and are expected to be completed by the end of July depending on weather conditions.
The trail will remain open while the works are under way and users are asked to follow all directional signage during the works.
The $255,000 project is being funded by the City of Greater Bendigo with a $5,000 contribution from the Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail.
