Planning of the first-of-its-kind cycleway connecting Charlestown’s busy retail centre to the Fernleigh Track is now underway, with two suggested routes open for community feedback.
Lake Macquarie City Council is seeking public input on which route the community would prefer.
The northern option starts at Frederick Street, Charlestown, travelling along Milson Street before linking behind homes to Kaleen Street.
It then connects through the bush to Flora Close, passes Whitebridge High School and travels down Lonus Avenue to join an existing pathway on Kopa Street leading to the Fernleigh Track.
The southern option also starts at Frederick Street but turns onto Dickinson Street, connecting to Tiral Street and cutting between Central Charlestown Leagues Club and Charlestown East Public School to Bula Street.
It then runs along Dudley Road before turning onto Lonus Avenue and onto the existing Kopa Street path.
Newcastle Cycleways Movement Vice President, Peter Lee, said the cycleway would expand the active transport network of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.
“We’ve been advocating for an active transport connection between Charlestown, Whitebridge and ultimately Dudley for many years,” Lee said.
“We’re pleased that Council is now preparing plans to bring this to fruition.
“Our primary goals are safe, separated connections to the schools, shops and swimming pool along the way.”
Lee said he would like to see the path take advantage of the local bushland setting and highlight the cultural heritage of the chosen route.
Lake Macquarie City Council Transport Operations Lead, Robert Morris, said community input was an important component of the Charlestown to Whitebridge feasibility study.
“Feedback from the community will help identify a preferred route that has the greatest benefits for the largest number of people in the community,” Morris said.
“Considerations include how direct the route is, potential impacts on residents and the environment, the topography of the land, construction costs and how close the path goes to schools, shops and other services.”
“We’re very keen to hear from the community about what they think.”
Morris said variations of the suggested routes were on the table for feedback and potential upgrades to road crossings and other infrastructure.
“It’s very early days, and such a significant project would likely require funding input from other levels of government before anything happened on the ground,” he said.
“But we wanted to pull in the community now to ensure we have a firm handle on their priorities and any concerns they might have.”
Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser, said expanding the city’s walking and cycling routes created realistic options for commuters who would otherwise use their car.
“A quarter of people in the community say they would consider cycling for transport if there were better and safer connections,” Cr Fraser said.
Once the feasibility study is complete, planning the preferred route will begin.
The feasibility study will include detailed surveys, geotechnical investigations and environmental impact assessments.
Feedback closes on April 11. To have your say, visit shape.lakemac.com.au/CWC.
Hayley McMahon