Ararat Rural City Council have made a significant step towards delivering a crucial upgrade to the municipality's network of footpaths and cycleways.
A contractor has been selected to carry out construction of a new asphalt footpath on Barkly Street and Queen Street in Ararat. The tender was awarded to infrastructure construction and aggregate supplier Fulton Hogan, whose projects include asphalting for Spirit of Tasmania's New Quay in Geelong, and the construction of several new walking and cycling paths as part of the Victorian State Government's Level Crossing Removal Project.
Works on Barkly Street and Queen Street are expected to be completed by 31 October 2024. This project is delivered under Council's Capital Works Program, which allocated $400k towards Council's Footpaths and Cycleways initiative, designed to prioritise improvements and maintenance of Ararat Rural City's footpaths and cycleways.
In line with Council's Footpaths and Cycleways Asset Management Plan, this initiative seeks to enhance and preserve our pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. This will support the broader transportation network, create better connectivity across the municipality, and encourage residents to participate in active, outdoor activities.
"This project aligns with our vision of a safer and more connected township, where walkers and cyclists can enjoy the beauty of our region through accessible routes," says Ararat Rural City CEO Dr Tim Harrison. "Upgraded footpaths and cycleways benefit our health, reduce traffic congestion, and promote a more sustainable and healthy community."