Bike riders in Ballarat will enjoy smoother trips around town as the city council moves ahead on new paths through its Trails and Connections Project.
The initiative is geared towards improving access to open spaces and outdoor destinations in Ballarat and encouraging active transport between them.
First up is a connection for pedestrians and bike riders between Victoria Park and Morshead Park, via a new 1km off-road path along Sutton Street.
The City of Ballarat says it will plant more than 150 trees, more than 200 plants and thousands of ground covers along the route. Other improvements include better bus stop access and new seating at nine locations.
Another path will be constructed along Whitelaw Avenue to connect with an existing trail through Doug Dean Reserve.
The concrete paths will be built within the existing nature strips and will be complemented by formal road crossings.
A third stage involves construction of a gravel loop around Morshead Park, running along Rubicon Street and Pleasant Street.
“The connections have been identified as missing links in the trail network across Ballarat,” says City of Ballarat Director Development and Growth, Natalie Robertson.
“As the population of Ballarat grows, and more people participate in recreation outdoors, the City of Ballarat is committed to providing better connections for active transport.”
Construction of the first stage is slated to begin in mid-2023.
The council is inviting feedback from the community on the proposed connections up until 8 April 2023. You can have your say here.