1 December 2020

Belconnen bikeway completed, works starts to better connect Arts Centre

| Dominic Giannini
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Belconnen Arts Centre

Work has begun along the Lake Ginninderra foreshore to better connect the Belconnen Arts Centre. Photo: Dominic Giannini.

The Belconnen bikeway, connecting Coulter Drive in Florey to the town centre and through to the University of Canberra, has opened to the public while work has begun on the Belconnen Arts Centre Link along the Lake Ginninderra foreshore.

The new 4.7 km route has both shared and separated cycling and pedestrian paths and continues along the old busway on Joynton Smith Drive and along Emu Bank road through to Haydon Drive via College Street.

The bikeway was part of Labor’s 2016 election commitment to better connect the surrounding areas of Belconnen to the town centre and consists of 1400 metres of shared path, 1475 metres of pedestrian-only path, 2141 metres of cyclist-only path and a 440 metres on-road cycleway.

The Belconnen bikeway also included the planting of around 200 trees while the busway section features pedestrian paths, LED lighting, new grassing and more than 110 trees.

It will improve accessibility, provide safer and more efficient commutes and deliver more opportunities for weekend recreation, Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said.

“I am really excited to announce today that the whole route is now open for the whole community to use,” he said.

The route for the Belconnen Arts Centre path

The route for the Belconnen Arts Centre path. Photo: Supplied.

Work to extend the bikeway from Haydon Drive to CIT Bruce, improve the Lake Ginninderra shared path and widen parts of the route is expected to begin next year with an extra $1.2 million put aside.

The construction along the foreshore is set to include mini wetlands to filter stormwater runoffs and improve the water quality of the lake by diverting the stormwater that runs through the nearby car park.

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Lookout platforms and raised mesh walkways over the wetlands will also be built at either end of the foreshore pathway where people can rest and enjoy the over-water experience, Minister for the Arts and member for Gininnderra Tara Cheyne said.

“I am really proud that we are delivering projects that are not 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,” she said.

“With works complete and the bikeway path fully opened, I encourage the community to get active and test out this fantastic new facility.”

For more information on these projects, visit City Services.

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