Riders on the Maribyrnong Trail through Avondale Heights may encounter some site clearing activities adjacent to the trail over the next few weeks.
Melbourne Water and the City of Moonee Valley are planning a new pedestrian link from the nearby suburb down to the trail.
The access will be via a new staircase down the steep escarpment from Ahearn Place above, and where the existing water main crosses the river.
Site investigations are taking place prior to construction later this year. On completion, the new path and stairs will feature resting points, and improved vegetation and landscaping conditions.
Importantly, the project will remove an infestation of African Boxthorn from the locality.
Boxthorn is a noxious weed that can grow to a large size, and dense infestations can out-compete native plants. It can be particularly invasive along waterways and provides harbour for pest animals such as rabbits and foxes.
The staircase will be used as one of the pedestrian detour routes when a section of the Maribyrnong River Trail (between Canning Street Reserve and the M102 water main bridge) will be closed for up to eight months for the construction of the new sewer pipe bridge next year.
