Active transport advocates have welcomed a new shared-use path built as part of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade.
The 4km path is the road’s first continuous connection for walking and cycling between Belmont and Charlemont.
The upgrade team completed the path’s final section in July, around five months ahead of schedule.
At three metres wide, the path caters for various active transport options amid expected increasing demand from population growth.
Active Geelong executive support member Pat Murnane praised the path.
Along with its length and width, the path includes many other design elements contributing to safety and amenity for users.
New signalised crossings and street lighting along the path make walking and riding safer. The crossings are part of the upgrade's intersection improvements at Settlement, Crows, Barwarre, Marshalltown and Reserve roads.
The path features an underpass below Waurn Ponds Creek Bridge, allowing users to avoid crossing Barwon Heads Road. Th underpass also benefits Waurn Ponds Creek Trail users and communities on the road's western side with safer, easier access to South Barwon Reserve.
The path's 200m elevated section at the Geelong end is another special feature. With sweeping views of neighbouring Jerringot Wetland, it also avoids environmental impacts because its cantilever design requires no footings to be placed in the sensitive wetland.
The path is decorated in places with etchings of native bird footprints. Traditional Owner BJ O'Toole's footprint designs appear in the vicinity of the respective birds’ habitat.
The path will also access two signage structures with information about the area, including its native flora and fauna and cultural significance to the Wadawurrung community. The signage is due for completion this year.
The Barwon Heads Road Upgrade has added 4km of new lanes between Belmont and Charlemont, making travel safer and more reliable for all users.
Along with the shared-use path and intersection upgrades, the project has also removed a dangerous level crossing and replaced it with a bridge over Marshall's rail line.
The new lanes opened about six months ahead of schedule.
More information is available on our Barwon Heads Road Upgrade page.