By Benjamin Millar
Federal Labor has vowed to build a vital missing link for cyclists travelling between Footscray and the CBD if it forms government after the May 18 election.
The $4.8 million ‘Napier Street Link’ would be funded from the party’s record $260 million National Bike Paths Strategy and help connect existing routes between West Footscray Station and the Maribyrnong River.
The project would involve construction of a fully separated bike path on Napier Street between McNab Avenue and Hyde Street, providing a safer route beneath the notorious Napier Street bridge towards the Footscray Road bike path to the city.
Maribyrnong Council has identified the link as a priority project in the local cycling network.
Gellibrand MP Tim Watts said he wants cyclists of all ages and abilities to feel safe on local roads.
“The $4.8 million bike path on Napier and Buckley St will help keep cyclists safer and get more people on their bikes,” he said.
“In 2017, Bill Shorten came to Footscray and made a promise that a Shorten Labor Government would invest more in cycling infrastructure than any previous Federal Government.
“The $260 million National Bike Paths Strategy Fund delivers on that promise.”
The project would follow the state government’s $4.8 million construction of new paths for cyclists and pedestrians along a stretch of Dynon Road between the Maribyrnong River and CBD.
