Mornington Peninsula Shire continues to make progress on the Peninsula Trail's Somerville to Baxter link while working through some additional requirements that were highlighted during the design phase of the project.
The slight delay in construction is due to fencing conditions. We are working closely with the Department of Transport and Planning and Metro Trains Melbourne to resolve this as quickly as possible so we can still meet project milestones.
It is anticipated that the design will be finalised and tenders for construction will go out in early 2024. We are confident construction will begin in 2024 with the estimated completion date announced once the design is finalised.
The Somerville to Baxter link will allow all walkers, runners and cyclists to travel off road from the centre of Melbourne all the way to Balnarring. The new path will run alongside the Stony Point rail line, connecting to the Frankston-Baxter Trail at the northern end, and an existing path from Somerville to Balnarring via Somers at its southern end.
The Peninsula Trail is a transformational opportunity to showcase the many attractions of the Mornington Peninsula and will deliver a host of economic, social, environmental and cultural benefits to the region. When complete, the trail will extend over 100km and offer a continuous off-road cycling and walking track around the Mornington Peninsula.
mornpen.vic.gov.au/pentrailupdate
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Simon Brooks
For our local community, the trail will create more connected towns and neighbourhoods - providing safe off-road options to walk or ride to school, work, the shops or a friend's home. It will reduce our reliance on cars with environmental, health and wellbeing benefits.
The trail will not just be an asset to the Peninsula – it will be an attraction for visitors from everywhere to come to
Victoria to walk, hike, cycle and stay.
