WALKING and cycling trails across the City of Whittlesea are set to be linked as part of a council program to construct and connect new paths.
The paved trails will include seating, landscaping, safe road crossings, water points and bike repair stations at several locations including the Edgars Creek Trail, the Yan Yean Pipe Track and Hendersons Creek Trail.
Design is also underway for a walking and cycling path on High Street, between Keon Parade and Thomastown Station, that will form part of a future rail trail between Reservoir Station and Whittlesea township.
The Edgars Creek Trail is a high-priority cycling trail that, once complete, will run between the M80 Ring Road Trail in Thomastown and the Craigieburn Road shared path in Wollert.
Council received $180,000 in State Government funding to construct the 400-metre link between Main Street and Thomas Street to ensure the network was continuous and safe for cyclists.
Council also received $1 million for the construction of the Hendersons Creek Trail, between McDonalds Road and Findon Road.
Council will extend the Hendersons Creek Trail in South Morang to cross through the Mill Park Lakes wetland and connect with the Greenvale Pipe Track, creating an off-road cycling link between South Morang and Epping.
An additional $1 million will go towards the construction of a section of the Yan Yean Pipe Track in Mill Park, between the Darebin Creek Trail near McKimmies Road and Childs Road.
Administrator Peita Duncan said council was realising its vision of a place for all by creating pathways between activity centres, shops, schools, parks, sports facilities and community spaces.
“We’re creating well-designed neighbourhoods with easy access to vibrant town centres,” Ms Duncan said.
“These strategic links will connect cyclists and pedestrians to a wider network of paths in the City of Whittlesea and help our community stay healthy and active.”
Works on the trails are underway, starting with the Edgars Creek Trails connection.
