Released 25/02/2023
The ACT Government is building a new shared path on Sulwood Drive with work now underway on crossing upgrades near Mount Taylor in Kambah.
An early package of works commenced in December 2022, with streetlighting installed ready for the two new raised crossings on Inkster Street and Livingston Avenue. Construction will begin on the crossings in the next couple of weeks.
“Mount Taylor is a hugely popular recreation destination, so we’re building better infrastructure to improve safety and access for all people who visit the nature reserve – not just vehicles, but also walkers and cyclists,” said Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel.
"New raised crossings across Inkster Street and Livingston Avenue will calm traffic turning into these suburban streets, as well as providing safe crossings for walkers and riders using the new path and trails.”
The project will include the construction of a three-metre wide shared path along Sulwood Drive between Drakeford Drive and Athllon Drive.
It will also improve safety and accessibility for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians through the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Mannheim Street and Sulwood Drive, as well as the construction of a dedicated safe right-hand turn lane into the Mount Taylor car park.
“Sulwood Drive, between Drakeford Drive and Athllon Drive, has no formal off-road or on-road cyclist or pedestrian facilities. We will address this missing link and encourage active travel by building a new four-kilometre off-road shared path on the southern side of Sulwood Drive, connecting with the rest of our shared path network,” said Minister Steel.
“There are also currently no safe spots to cross Sulwood Drive for pedestrians and cyclists wanting to access Mount Taylor from Kambah for exercise and recreation. The new traffic lights are the safest solution for pedestrians and cyclists crossing Sulwood Drive and Mannheim Street and will also provide safer right turning movements out of Mannheim Street for vehicles.”
Engagement was undertaken with the community in 2021 which has seen an additional missing footpath link on Mannheim Street incorporated into the designs and further improvements around landscaping.
“We acknowledge feedback from the community indicated support for locating the shared path on the northern side of the road. However, there are significant challenges, including utilities and endangered ecological species such as Box Gum Grassy Woodlands, which have led to the path being designed on the southern side,” said Minister Steel.
“Additional benefits include better connectivity to residential areas along with a higher level of passive surveillance improving safety.
“The detailed design for the main shared path and Mannheim Street intersection works package is being finalised ahead of construction procurement in the middle of this year. We will also be offering local community members the opportunity to meet and discuss the landscaping plan for the project ahead of procurement.”
It is anticipated construction will start on the main path works before the end of 2023. Staging of construction will be confirmed with the successful contractor and shared with the community before works begin.
For more information on this project and to stay updated, visit www.builtforcbr.act.gov.au
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Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases