newy.com.au – Construction is about to begin on more than 900 metres of shared path in Jesmond, the next stage of a $2.6 million cycleway project intended to improve access to local shops, parks and the University of Newcastle.
The three-metre-wide path will run along the western side of Blue Gum Road and eventually cross Dark Creek, passing through Heaton Park and MacClure Reserve. The broader project includes two new bridges across the creek, lighting, landscaping and tree planting.
City of Newcastle expects the staged project to be completed in late 2027. Motorists and pedestrians will face temporary changes around the construction area, with traffic controls in place during the work.
Councillor Joel Pringle said the off-road route would improve connections between destinations including the university, Wallsend, Jesmond Park and the shopping centre.
“This project will fill an important gap in the cycleway network and give people in the region more opportunities to leave their car at home and choose active transport,” he said.
Cr Pringle said residents had identified safe, connected walking and cycling routes as a priority during consultation on the council’s Newcastle 2040 community strategic plan.
The next stage follows work that began earlier this year on the eastern side of Blue Gum Road, including a new shared path and a raised crossing near Heaton Park. Those works also included road resurfacing, new signs and line marking.
The council’s executive manager of transport and regulation, Ryan Tranter, said the new path would provide room for walkers and riders of different abilities. Some existing trees would need to be cleared along the route.
“A handful of trees will need to be removed to accommodate the new shared pathway, but we’ll be replacing them with 22 new trees within the project area to provide more shade,” he said.
The council is delivering the project with a $2 million grant from the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program.
