Cycling paths in Emerald will be upgraded as works are set to begin in several locations along Opal Street and Moreton Park.
Central Highlands Regional Council awarded tender for two out of three stages of the $1.8 million project under council’s principal cycle network plan.
Half of the cost is funded by the Queensland Government under Department of Transport and Main Road’s (DTMR) 2017-18 Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program. The remainder is funded by council.
Mayor Kerry Hayes said the funding has been most welcome and cycling paths are an investment in the wellbeing of a healthy and active community.
‘Council was able to secure almost $947,000 of funding last year towards building high quality and safe cycling infrastructure,’ he said.
‘We will reconstruct cycling paths to three metre wide shared paths and further extend the network.
‘This work is the result of last year’s review of our prioritised cycling route in Emerald and a successful funding application.
‘We are glad to say that it will deliver improvements and a safer cycling network to encourage more cycling for visitors and locals.’
Works are planned to begin next week along Opal Street cycling path, from Fysh Street, opposite McIndoe Park, to Clermont Street intersection.
Stage two will see upgrades from the Information Centre along Moreton Park. The cycling path will cross Moreton Park in the northern section of the park and continue along Creek Street and Egan Street to Hospital Road.
Stage three works will be along Opal Street from Park Avenue intersection to Campbell Street intersection.
Residents, park and road users may expect some minor disruptions during the construction phase.