The Andrews Labor Government will build a new off-road cycling path to connect the Eastlink and Dandenong Creek Trails in Knox
Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane today announced a $4 million project to build a new 800-metre long shared path as part of the 2018/19 Victorian State Budget.
It will provide a safe connection for cyclists and pedestrians using the popular Eastlink and Dandenong Creek Trails.
A new 45-metre long bridge over Dandenong Creek will be constructed on the south side of Burwood Highway.
Currently, when the Dandenong Creek Trail north of Burwood Highway is closed during bad weather, cyclists have to ride on Burwood Highway which is an 80km/h speed environment, and there are no footpaths along this section of Burwood Highway for pedestrians.
The new shared user path also provides a more direct link to the existing shared user path along Burwood Highway from Mountain Highway to the Knox Central activity centre which includes Knox Shopping Centre.
The new section of shared user path is supported by Whitehorse and Knox councils and bicycle user groups.
The project is part of the Government’s $100 million Safer Cyclists and Pedestrian Fund which is aimed at protecting our most vulnerable road users and encouraging more use of active modes of transport.
These vital safety improvement works are being funded through the $1.1 billion Towards Zero Action Plan, being delivered in partnership between VicRoads and the TAC to ensure nobody is killed or seriously injured on our roads.
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane
“The current conditions for cyclists and pedestrians travelling along the Burwood Highway are unsafe and unacceptable and that’s we’re building this important missing link.”
“This new shared user path will keep cyclists and pedestrians safe as they travel around the community and to the nearby Knox Shopping Centre.”
“The cycling community, Knox City Council and Whitehorse City Council all have supported the project, including with a petition which I presented to Parliament recently.”