Cyclists and pedestrians can now use a safe off-road path between two of northern Sydney's major centres, with the opening of the 3.5km Pacific Highway shared path running between Chatswood and St Leonards.
Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor today joined Willoughby MP Tim James and local cycling and walking enthusiasts to launch the shared path.
The $5.8 million shared path was built by Willoughby City Council, with the support of $2.29 million NSW Government funding from its Precinct Support Scheme.
Mayor Taylor said the shared path had turned the existing Pacific Highway footpath and road verge into pedestrian and cycling route, including new landscaping and bus shelter relocations.
"This path is a clever re-purposing of what is currently a busy traffic thoroughfare into an active transport corridor, allowing people to travel to their place of work, lifestyle destinations or homes without needing to jump into their car," she said.
"This path is a win for the community, residents, businesses and commuters alike."
The 3m wide Pacific Highway path begins at Herbert St, St Leonards and runs to Nelson St, Chatswood. After a short 100m section of on-road travel on Nelson St (a quiet cul-de-sac) pedestrians and cyclists can then use the existing off-road Frank Channon Walk alongside the North Shore train line to travel directly into the Chatswood CBD.
"This shared path is in line with the Council's community priority to enhance transport options and connections, including increasing the number of journeys to work which do not use a motor vehicle," Mayor Taylor said.
The shared path has been designed to integrate with Willoughby's active transport network, including connections to the Gore Hill Freeway shared and cycling paths, and on-road cycling routes to the Artarmon industrial area, Artarmon railway station and Naremburn local centre.
NSW Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts MP said the shared path was supported by the NSW Government as it helped match local housing growth with infrastructure.
"We set up the Precinct Support Scheme to support urban renewal and sustainable growth in planned precincts, through funding for public and open space projects, and it's exciting to now see this funding bearing results," Mr Roberts said.
Member for Willoughby Tim James said he expected the path to be very popular with Willoughby residents.
"We know the Willoughby community is very keen to take part in healthy, active transport, including walking and cycling, and welcomes this safe, convenient path that will ensure our local communities are well connected," Mr James said.
A second stage of the Pacific Highway path project, involving the installation of specialist bicycle crossings at signalised intersections along the route, is due for completion by December 2023.
Willoughby City Council is currently planning an additional cycling and pedestrian route between St Leonards and Chatswood, which will be parallel to the North Shore railway line and run through the Artarmon local centre.
See a map of the shared path here(PDF, 5MB)
