The state government will build four kilometres of new trail as part of the Cranbourne rail line upgrade.
The new shared path creates a direct route between Lynbrook, Merinda Park and Cranbourne stations and connects to existing paths in the area.
The path’s route will initially be used to create a safe haulage road for construction vehicles building the Cranbourne Line Upgrade.
It will then be converted into a 3-metre-wide shared use path and open to the community by 2023.
The government says the path will link to an existing network of pathways and improves connections and access to local shopping precincts, workplaces, schools, sporting grounds, medical and other services.
It says the trail provides a safe, active and healthy way for commuters to get to and from Lynbrook, Merinda Park and Cranbourne stations without being dependant on the car. This will also benefit commuters by freeing up car parking at these stations.
And it will create a new place for leisure and exercise, safely accommodating pedestrians and the growing number of cyclists looking for off-road cycling options.
A key component of the project will be the construction early next year of a new road bridge of the rail line at Camms Road.
Bike riders and pedestrians will have a new, safe way to cross the rail line, with the road bridge to feature wide, well-lit paths and the opportunity to enhance the local area through design elements and landscaping.
This is location is fairly complicated, and considerable design work needs to be done to ensure that the bike facility meets all standards. (The current illustrations do not represent what will be delivered).
A road bridge is the only technical solution for this site because it means this level crossing can be removed without impacting the nearby Cranbourne stabling yards, which would have led to huge disruptions for passengers on the city’s busiest train line and forced a reduction in services right across Melbourne’s entire train network.
Many of the city’s trains are parked overnight and prepared for operations at the stabling yard.
Construction will start with early works in the first half of next year.
To provide feedback on the early concept designs, visit www.engage.vic.gov.au