newy.com.au – A new shared pathway has been completed along Reserve Road near King Edward Park, giving walkers and cyclists a safer link through one of Newcastle’s busiest coastal precincts.
The 320-metre-long, three-metre-wide path replaces a narrow footpath running parallel to King Edward Park between The Terrace and York Drive. City of Newcastle says the upgrade will support recreational walking and cycling, as well as everyday trips by commuters, school children and visitors heading to Newcastle Beach, Bogey Hole and the wider coastal area.
The project was delivered by City of Newcastle using $500,000 from the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active Program, administered by Transport for NSW.
It is the second project in the precinct supported by the program in the past 12 months. A further $500,000 grant helped deliver upgrades along Memorial Drive at Bar Beach, another high-use area for pedestrians and cyclists.
That work included a new shared pathway between Parkway Avenue and Empire Park, upgrades to the pedestrian refuge on Bar Beach Avenue, and the replacement of the existing pedestrian crossing on Memorial Drive with a raised shared path crossing.
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the new path would encourage more people to choose active transport.
“The benefits of active transport are boundless. It supports personal physical and mental health, environmental health, and the health of our community,” he said.
“The NSW Labor Government is committed to improving active transport infrastructure and encouraging people to leave the car at home.”
“This new walking and cycling path will allow the community to enjoy our beautiful coastline more safely.”
City of Newcastle Executive Manager Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter said the Reserve Road upgrade would improve access around a popular part of the city.
“The historic precinct in and around King Edward Park is a much-loved destination in Newcastle, and we’re proud to deliver this upgrade to improve the safety, accessibility and amenity of the surrounding area,” he said.
“By investing in infrastructure like this and other shared pathways, we’re taking great strides towards the goals set out in the Newcastle Transport Strategy, Newcastle Cycling Plan and the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan by continuing to provide updated transport network links in the city.”
