Wagga Wagga City Council's Active Travel Plan has taken an important step forward with the NSW Government offering funding for a new shared path link between the Exhibition Centre and Hammond Avenue.
At its Ordinary Meeting on Monday 23 July, Council accepted the funding of $1,354,890 under the Get NSW Active funding program.
Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton said the grant will cover the entire estimated construction cost, including project management, escalation and contingencies.
"This new link will comprise a 728m concrete shared path that includes a pedestrian bridge over Marshalls Creek adjacent to Kooringal Road," Mr Creighton said.
"It's something Council has been planning for some while, and we have spent a lot of time after receiving feedback from the community, particularly the users of the Exhibition Centre.
"There has been concern about the current lack of a separate pedestrian path across the Kooringal Road bridge, which has seen people walking on the road to get across Marshalls Creek.
"This work will address those concerns by providing a separated shared path for pedestrians and cyclists."
It is anticipated that planning and procurement activities will occur during the remainder of 2024, with construction to be completed in 2025.
When finished, Council's Active Travel Plan network will provide a dedicated cycle and pedestrian network of paths across the city, giving residents a safe alternative for commuting and leisure.
