THE pedestrian pathway of the Greenrise Recreational Reserve is expected to be increased by roughly 150 metres as public safety is highlighted as a result of the Penola bypass construction.
Members of the Greenrise Reserve Advisory Committee met with Wattle Range councillors and key project members from the Transport Department to discuss the future of the area as works on the bypass continue.
At last month’s Wattle Range Council meeting, elected members discussed the proposed realignment of the walking and cycling trail as a result of changes to the southern intersection.
A staff report tabled at the meeting said the changes would a make it unsafe for users of the path to cross the road due to site distances.
“The solution as provided by the design engineers, is the provision of a safe crossing point further west which offers a safer location for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the bypass,” the report said.
The new path will be three metres wide and constructed to sealed standard, with signage and line-marking.
Gates will also be installed as part of the project.
Greenrise Reserve Advisory Committee chairperson Brendan Provis said individuals using the new path would be required to adhere to road safety principles.
“People have to be responsible for their own safety so they still need to make sure they look when crossing,” Mr Provis said.
“The committee has been working closely with everyone about the bypass which has included making recommendations.”
Mr Provis said the new pathway will also have trees planted along the pathway to increase shaded areas.
“This is included in the Penola bypass funding provided and does not come at a cost for the committee,” he said.
“We are also looking at putting in a handful of seats along the way.”
Mr Provis said the committee has made recommendations to organisations involved in the Penola Northern Bypass since its conception in 2006.
“We have worked along the department and council to ensure everything done is effective,” he said.
The committee are also in the process of placing named signs on native trees for users, with a working bee also scheduled for March 8.
Members of the public are encouraged to participate.
