Walking or cycling between Woden and Weston Creek is becoming safer. The first stage of the Heysen Street Link, a new shared path connecting the two districts, has been completed, Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel announced today (Tuesday 8 December), and the second stage of works is now underway.
The new three-metre-wide asphalt shared path begins at the intersection of Heysen Street and Hilder Street in Weston, goes through the Oakey Hill Nature Reserve, and ends at the intersection of Devonport Street and Derwent Street in Lyons.
“This path is an important link for commuters,” Mr Steel said. “The new connection through Oakey Hill Nature Reserve provides a more direct and safer route for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrian users.”
The government has also provided safer crossing points for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, and 29 LED lights along the route to make it safer after dark. Work began in August.
“What is most pleasing about this project is that its construction was driven by the community,” Mr Steel said. “I’d like to sincerely thank and congratulate those members of our community who worked so hard to be heard and to get this project funded.”
The ACT Government has committed to another two stages of the Heysen Street Link, and work is underway in the Woden Town Centre.
The second stage is an off-road shared path from the underpass near the Lyons shops, along Launceston Street to Burnie Street. Construction began last week and is expected to be completed early next year. This stage is funded by the ACT Government’s Fast Track Program, a COVID-19 $35 million stimulus package.
The third stage is an on-road protected cycle path along Devonport Street between Derwent Street and the Lyons shops. Construction is expected to start in the first half of 2021.
Work is also well underway on the 1.1km protected cycleway through the Woden Town Centre on Corinna Street.
This project aims to create a safer and more efficient route for cyclists, separating them from both pedestrians and other road users, according to the Government.
“It’s great to see so many upgrades underway and being delivered across Canberra,” Mr Steel said. “I’d like to thank the community for their patience whilst we need to temporarily close roads and intersections to help construct these new active travel projects.
“These projects are creating jobs; they’re stimulating our local economy; and most importantly, they’re making it easier, safer, and more attractive for our community to get out of the car and walk and cycle more.”
For more news read:
