Construction underway on first leg of City Centre to Merewether cycleway

City of Newcastle has started construction on the first stage of a cycleway linking the City Centre to Merewether Beach.

The first stage is the Merewether to The Junction project, which is a 2.5m-wide, bi-directional path along the eastern side of Watkins Street and northern side of Coane Street, between Watkins and John Parade, which will include new and upgraded raised-crossings for pedestrians and cyclists and associated intersection improvements.

This 1.1-kilometre, $3.1 million project will also significantly improve stormwater drainage systems and capture water for re-use in new garden beds. Construction of this link was brought forward as part of the City’s record $116 million COVID-19-stimulus capital works budget in recognition of residents’ newfound love for cycling during lockdown.

City of Newcastle received $600,000 from the NSW Government’s 2020/21 Walking and Cycling Program to assist with the construction of this stage of the project.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said investment in cycleway infrastructure would enable cycling to play an even larger role within Newcastle’s transport mix in the future.

“We are committed to promoting cycling as a safe and attractive transport option for residents, families, commuters and recreational users, which is why expansion and improvement of the cycleway network is one of the City’s priority projects,” she said.

“Improving and expanding Newcastle’s cycling network is also an important investment in the future of our city, in line with the adopted Newcastle Cycling Strategy and Action Plan.

“The start of construction is an important step towards the completion of the overall City Centre to Merewether Beach cycleway project, which will provide a first-class route between the inner city and one of our most popular beaches”

Councillor and cycling enthusiast John Mackenzie said he was pleased to see the project kick off.

“The community has been very clear in stating that improved cycleways are a top priority and I know this link will be enjoyed by residents, commuters and those visiting this great part of Newcastle. I am happy to see works starting and will be watching and following the project with interest.”

Almost $5 million has been allocated to cycleways projects under the revised 2020-21 capital works budget, including $3.1 million for the Merewether to The Junction cycleway, as well as funding for a missing cycleway link on University Drive between Blue Gum Road and the inner-city bypass in Birmingham Gardens.

To find out more and keep updated on stage one of the City Centre to Merewether cycleway visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works.