By Benjamin Millar
A key link between Footscray and the CBD will soon be safer for cyclists under a $4.8 million upgrade now underway.
Work began last week on the construction of new paths for cyclists and pedestrians along the northern side of Dynon Road.
A two-way cycling path and a footpath will be built between Maribyrnong Street and Kensington Road, while a new shared path will continue to Highett Street and connect with an existing shared path to North Melbourne.
Other improvements will include raised pedestrian crossings at the Maribyrnong and Sims street intersections, signals at Maribyrnong Street, new line marking, green pavement at intersections and extended kerbs.
Footscray MP Katie Hall said the work would improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
“It’s projects like this that encourage people to get on the bike, reducing congestion and helping people stay active and healthy,” she said.
BikeWest spokesman John Symons said the work was welcome, but key safety gaps remained between the rest of Footscray and the work being done.
“If there are gaps in the network there is a major disincentive for people,” he said.
“You need to give them that certainty there will be a safe route or they are simply not going to do it.”
VicRoads has warned motorists to expect delays on Dynon Road with one in-bound lane closed while the work is carried out.
