Construction of the Belconnen bikeway is now complete with the new 4.7 kilometre route open to the public.
Comprising of both shared and separated cycling and pedestrian facilities, the bikeway will improve accessibility, provide safer and more efficient commutes and deliver more opportunities for weekend recreation.
“The ACT Government has delivered on our 2016 election commitment to build a bikeway better connecting surrounding areas of Belconnen to the town centre,” said Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel.
“The new bikeway starts on Coulter Drive in Florey and continues along the old busway on Joynton Smith Drive to the Belconnen Town Centre, continuing along Emu Bank through to the University of Canberra to Haydon Drive via College Street.
“The on-road cycleway through the old busway was opened for use in September, followed by the section along Emu Bank in October, and I’m really excited to announce today that the whole route is now open and for the whole community to use.”
The project has delivered 1400 metres of shared path, 1475 metres of pedestrian only path, 2141 metres of cyclist only path and a 440 metre on-road cycleway through the old busway on Joynton Smith Drive.
The busway section also features pedestrian paths, new grassing and more than 110 trees, along with LED lighting to ensure the safety of cyclists and other users.
“The Belconnen Bikeway has seen the planting of around 200 new trees to create shade along the entire route. A combination of native and exotic species has been planted helping to provide shade that supports active travel along the bikeway.
“In addition to this, ACT Labor also committed $1.2m to extend the Belconnen Bikeway from Haydon Drive to CIT Bruce, including a shared path along Battye Street.
“This will take the total length of protected cycleway in the Belconnen Town Centre to over 6km and I expect design work will begin on this extension in the new year.
“ACT Labor has also committed to investigating how to improve the Lake Ginninderra shared path, including widening it in sections to make it safer for cyclists, runners and walkers.”
Minister for the Arts and Local Member for Gininnderra Tara Cheyne said that she was pleased the new bikeway was completed and that construction of the Belconnen Arts Centre link had now commenced.
“Not only have we delivered the bikeway, we’ve also started work on the Belconnen Arts Centre Link,” Minister Cheyne said.
“This missing link in the Lake Ginninderra foreshore path will not only deliver a shared path, it will also create mini wetlands that will filter stormwater run-off from the nearby car park, improving the water quality of Lake Ginninderra.
“In addition, raised mesh walkways will be constructed over the wetlands with lookout platforms at either end where people can rest and enjoy the over-water experience.
“I’m really proud that we’re delivering projects that aren’t just a path or a cycleway. Our projects are transforming public spaces, contributing to areas that our community can enjoy, wander about, and gather with family and friends.
“With works complete and the bikeway path fully opened, I encourage the community get active and test out this fantastic new facility,” concluded Minister Cheyne.
