15 April 2020

Protected pedestrian and cycle path on way for Woden

| Ian Bushnell
Join the conversation
2
Bicycles

A new cycleway should mean safer travel in the Woden Town Centre. Photo: File.

Construction of a new protected pedestrian and cycleway in the Woden Town Centre is expected to commence in coming months after the release of a tender for the project.

The design work was completed last year for the project, which will include a 2.5 km on-road cycleway that will separate cyclists from pedestrians and vehicles.

The route runs from Launceston Street along Corinna Street and Furzer Street to Callam Street.

Part of the ACT Government’s Active Travel program, the pedestrian and cycle path will include the cycleway, along with new raised priority pedestrian crossings, kerb and verge realignments, pavement upgrades, the installation of additional streetlights, and stormwater and landscaping works.

Transport and City Services Minister Chris Steel said the project was part of the regeneration of the Woden Town Centre.

“It will separate cyclists from both pedestrians and other road users creating a safer and more efficient commute through the town centre,” he said.

The new network aims to improve accessibility and safety as well as promote active travel and the further use of public transport in Woden.

Cycleway in Woden

The proposed cycleway in Woden. Image: Supplied.

Cycling lobby group Pedal Power ACT welcomed the government’s investment in developing a safe separated cycleway in Woden.

CEO Ian Ross said the priority crossings, the raised intersections and the separation of bikes from motor vehicles would provide convenient access for people cycling around the Woden Town Centre, and increase the safety for everyone whether walking, cycling or driving.

But he said that in order to fully realise the project’s active travel benefits, the government would also need to improve access into and through the Town Centre.

”Of immediate priority, Pedal Power has recommended that a safe crossing be developed at the northern end of the cycleway at Launceston street,” he said.

”This will improve access for people coming into the Town Centre using the main trunk path and for the residents in the growing number of apartments in this area.”

Pedal Power had also recommended that the slip lane from Callam Street into Corinna Street be removed to slow down left-turning traffic.

”This is consistent with the now accepted view that slip lanes are not generally appropriate in lower speed town centres,” he said.

A design tender has also been released for the upgrade of the intersection of Launceston Street and Irving Street, where traffic lights will be installed to make it safer for motorists and pedestrians.

A right-turn slip lane from Launceston Street into Irving Street is to be added, and the slip-lane from Irving Street to Launceston Street removed.

The existing median island will be extended, closing the right turn into Furzer Street from Launceston Street, and the right turn out from Furzer Street, making it a left turn in and left turn out arrangement.

A new floodlight will illuminate a new pedestrian crossing across Launceston Street, and a new right hand turning lane from Launceston Street into Bowe Street will also be investigated.

Construction is expected to start in 2021

Area of works

The pedestrian path and cycleway route from the air.

 

Join the conversation

2
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

So having totally messed up Melrose Drive with way too many traffic lights, they want to put their inverted potholes along Furzer and Corinna Streets…

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.