Design for Sturt Street shared path released

New concept drawings for the planned shared pathway beside the Sturt Street Gardens have been released by the State government.

The pedestrian and bicycle track will run from Pleasant Street to Lyons Streets, the section controlled by Regional Roads Victoria, along the south side of the gardens, with raised zebra crossings in the centre of some intersecting streets.

While there is currently a gravel pathway along the southside of the gardens it will need to be sealed and widened.

The result will mean the west bound lanes of Sturt Street will be reduced in width to accommodate the path, and a small buffer strip between the road and the shared pathway.

Western Victoria upper house MP and roads minister Jaala Pulford said the new plans were based on three months of community feedback.

“We know how much the Ballarat community values its rich history and what a drawcard that is for our city, and this final design ensures that we protect that history while still improving safety and accessibility,” she said.

“We’re upgrading the Sturt Street bike path to make it safer and easier for the mums and dads pushing their prams and the kids riding their bikes to school.”

Back in December RRV said work on the project would begin in April.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Ben Taylor said council didn’t have an opinion on the new designs, yet, although the municipality did factor in a bike path in Sturt Street in 2018.

“Council will formalise its position in relation to this matter at a meeting in March where it will also consider the position of Sturt Street, which council controls from Dawson Street to Grenville Street,” he said.

“We welcome the release of the plan. Now, we can start to talk about it.”

This article was originally published on www.timesnewsgroup.com.au.