Photo: Lifehacker Australia

The new path along Harvester Road, Sunshine will help close gaps in the Sydenham-Sunshine bike path – to provide a safer cycling and walking connection between Sydenham and Sunshine.

Brimbank Mayor Cr Margaret Giudice said Council had awarded the tender for the $1.3 million connection which will link the Sunshine train station to the existing off-road shared user path over Anderson Road that connects to Albion train station.

“This path will provide a vital connection for cyclists and pedestrians to travel off-road, from Sydenham to Sunshine and on to West Footscray via the Sunshine trail.

“This project will also create a safe cycling and walking route into the Sunshine CBD through a new signalised pedestrian and bike crossing at the Harvester and Devonshire roads, and a new zebra crossing near the Sunshine bus interchange.

“Active transportation connections, such as cycling and walking paths benefit individuals and our community – helping to enhance community wellbeing and create vibrant spaces where people feel safe and enjoy shopping.

“Research shows that people who walk or cycle to local centres visit more shops and invest more in local businesses than those who drive – so by supporting active transport we are also helping to boost our town centres,” Cr Giudice said.

As an additional safety improvement, speed limits along Harvester Road will be reduced from 60km/h down to 50km/h, with current 40km/h zones to remain in place.

North-bound traffic will be reduced to one lane along a 500 metre section of Harvester Road, from Hampshire Road and past Devonshire Road.

The $1.3 million contract will be jointly funded by Brimbank Council ($650,000) and the Transport Accident Commission and VicRoads ($650,000), through the Victorian Government's $100 million Safer Cyclists and Pedestrians Fund.

Work is expected to begin in April and finish in late 2018.

Council will work to keep traffic disruptions to a minimum, however some detours and temporary closures may be necessary. When driving or walking around road works please be aware of conditions and follow street signs.