Peninsula Link Trail Extended With $3.6m Connection
Source: Victorian Government - http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/index.php
27 August 2010
Cyclists and
walkers will benefit from an extension to the Peninsula Link Trail, a
new off-road path being constructed as part of the $759 million freeway
project.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said nearly three kilometres of
extra path would be added to the new trail, making it 25 kilometres in
length to cater for the growing number of people walking and cycling in
the area.
“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to investing in new
infrastructure and creating more opportunities for sustainable travel
and recreation,” Mr Pallas said.
“Previously, plans for the path ended just south of Baxter and we are
extending it so people can travel along the disused Mornington Tourist
Rail and across Moorooduc Highway into Mt Eliza Regional Park and the
tourist railway station.
“This path has been identified as a priority for the local trail network
as part of a longer term connection into Mornington and we are filling
in a piece of the puzzle by building a tricky section and providing a
crossing at Moorooduc Highway.”
Mr Pallas said a significant amount of planning had gone into the path
given the area was low lying and sometimes subject to flooding.
“We have done a lot of work to make sure this path is accessible to
people all year round so elevated sections will be provided and new
traffic signals will be installed at Moorooduc Highway to help people
cross the road safely,” he said.
Member for Frankston Alistair Harkness said the Peninsula Link project
was more than just a freeway, with the walking and cycling path just one
of the community enhancements people could expect to see over the next
few years.
“We are investing significantly in the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve by
revegetating 16 hectares of land and improving local waterways like
Tamarisk Creek, which will have a more natural flow as a result of the
Peninsula Link works,” Mr Harkness said.
Around 24 hectares of land on Ballarto Road, which was formally used as
a research facility, has also been added to the existing Pines Flora and
Fauna Reserve.
“We have reserved the former Keith Turnbull Research Institute land as
an area of Ecological Significance, meaning it will be preserved for
generations to come as part of the wider Pines Reserve.” Mr Harkness
said.
“The local art community is also a big winner, with plans underway for a
sculpture competition every two years with the McClelland Gallery and
Sculpture Park which has formed a unique partnership with private
operator, Southern Way.”
Peninsula Link will be a 27-kilometre freeway that will slash travel
times to just 17 minutes between Carrum Downs and Mt Martha. The
Peninsula Trail is going through detailed design, with construction to
be completed in early 2013 along with the opening of Peninsula Link.