Bellarine Rail Trail users can now access Eastern Gardens via a direct pathway.
Pedestrians, cyclists and other active users will benefit from the improved shared path connections in East Geelong, Lara and Corio.
The new Boundary Road shared path helps Greater Geelong residents in the eastern suburbs to travel from the Bellarine Rail Trail through to Eastern Gardens.
The path is linked to the wider trail network, connecting the Barwon River Trail, Bellarine Rail Trail, Eastern Gardens, Waterfront and the Bay Trail.
In addition, the Boundary Road path features a new type of crossing called a Shared User Path (SUP) crossing.
The crossing gives cyclists and pedestrians right of way over motorists with the added benefit of allowing cyclists to cross without having to get off their bikes.
The crossing area is recognised by its yellow pavement, with ‘Give Way’ signs on both sides.
Meanwhile, shared trail users around Lara will benefit from the development of Stage 2 of the Hovells Creek shared path, running between Flinders Avenue and Curletts Road.
This installation creates a continuous link from Station Lake Road to Windermere Road, Lara.
The region’s most recent addition is the Bacchus Marsh Road shared user path running between Purnell Road and the Abattoir, including an upgrade of the carpark at St Francis Xavier Primary School.
The improvements are part of the implementation of the Council’s Shared Trails Master Plan, which aims to create a connected network of trails across the region.
Along with applauding the improved connections in East Geelong, Lara and Corio, and crossings along the Boundary Road path, Shared Trails portfolio chair Cr Jim Mason indicated there were further exciting developments on the horizon in the City’s north.
“Residents will welcome these developments, particularly the improved links they will create,” Cr Mason said.
“Meanwhile, the City is installing these types of crossings on shared paths across the region, so our residents might also see them in new locations soon.
“The next step in developing Lara’s trail network will look at the best routes to help shared path users access Serendip Sanctuary and the You Yangs.”
