The City of Ballarat is exploring ways to improve the quality, safety and amenity of Macarthur Street between Creswick Road and Wendouree Parade for people using the connection to walk, scoot, push a pram and ride a bike.
The project addresses a key missing link between Routes 3 and 4 of the Ballarat Bicycle Network and is one of the final sections to be constructed of a dedicated walking and cycling link between Ballarat and Wendouree Stations.
The area has a generous road cross-section and is a dominant walking and riding access route to Lake Wendouree, however Macarthur Street has a lack of dedicated safe crossing points for pedestrians, as well as separated bike lanes.
It can be a busy section of road, and residents have told the City of Ballarat it is used regularly as a connection for people getting to and from work, school and home.
It also has a relatively low tree canopy coverage compared to adjacent streets.
The proposed draft concept plans address known local issues raised by community and implement a range of adopted masterplans and strategies for Lake Wendouree, including the Cycling, Urban Forest and Active Ballarat strategies.
The community is now being asked for their thoughts on the draft concept plans, with further detail on the connections found on the City of Ballarat's MySay page.
The project is being delivered with support from the Federal Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Member for Ballarat Catherine King said the LRCI Program supports councils with projects that make our communities safer and better connected.
"This project will deliver more accessible and fit for purpose path along Macarthur Street and will make the area much safer for pedestrians and cyclists, she said."
The draft concept plans show raised shared user crossings at Burnbank Street and Wendouree Parade to improve pedestrian safety.
Proposed mid-section crossing points will be constructed along Macarthur Street for pedestrian refuge.
Between Wendouree Parade and Burnbank Streets an on-road protected bike path is proposed and between Burnbank Street and Creswick Road a shared path along the cemetery is proposed.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson it is great to see so many projects supporting the vision of Ballarat as a great walking and cycling city.
"It is important that Ballarat has safe, predominantly off road or quieter routes which are suitable for pedestrians and families and encourages people to commute actively," he said.
"While a number of people already choose to ride a bike, either to commute to work, for sport or for pleasure, there is room for improvement, and this Macarthur Street link is one of them."
