Canberrans will be able to access the Mitchell business precinct more easily with the ACT Government announcing it will fully fund the construction of a cycling and pedestrian link along Flemington Road from EPIC to Sandford Street. The first sod on the new shared path was turned today, marking the beginning of construction.
“This project addresses key missing links on Canberra’s cycle and footpath network and will make the Mitchell business precinct more accessible,” Minister for Roads and Active Travel Chris Steel said.
“This new shared path forms part of vision to create a Flemington Road principal cycle route, connecting the City to Gungahlin via Dickson.
“The new shared path will also provide a much needed pedestrian link between the two existing light rail stations at Well Station Drive and EPIC, and the future stop on Sandford Street.”
Mr Steel said that despite no Federal funding, the ACT Government was pressing on and committed to fully fund the construction of the section shared path from Sandford St to EPIC.
The stage from Well Station Drive to Sandford Street replaces the temporary path removed as part of work on Flemington Road to build light rail.
Altogether the two stages will provide two kilometers of 2.5m wide asphalt walking and cycling path on the eastern side of Flemington Road.
“To ensure we can deliver this connection more quickly, we will construct the shared path in two stages with the first stage between Randwick Road and Sandford St getting underway today,” Minister Steel said.
The first stage of works includes around 700 metres of shared path and landscaping, including approximately 20 new trees, along its length.
Mr Steel said that he expected pedestrians would be able to use the first stage early in the New Year, with work on the more complex second stage between Sandford Street and Well Station Drive expected to be completed in mid-2020 following further design work underway.
