A commuter bikeway linking Queens Park to the city centre is now open for cyclists, furthering the connections for the Eastern Ipswich Bikeway.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the bikeway would improve safety and access for cyclists down the busy Queen Victoria Parade toward the city.
“This bikeway will allow cyclists to move safely along a prime commuting corridor without having to interact with traffic along a major entry road into Ipswich,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council is focused on improving cycling and active travel options for all residents, forming part of our iGo Active Transport Action Plan.
“The project was completed in 12 weeks and at a cost of $1.6 million, Ipswich City Council and the Queensland Government funding the project 50 percent each.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Paul Tully said having further safe travel connections throughout the city was important.
“By transforming part of the Queen Victoria Parade service road close to the Visitor Information Centre into a shared pathway, council has helped reduce safety risks for cyclists and other road users,” Cr Tully said.
“The Eastern Ipswich Bikeway is one of several key cycling projects council is delivering across the city to promote and support active transport.”
Division 3 Councillor, Andrew Fechner said the completed project was now open for cyclists to enjoy, with the temporary relocation of a bus stop on Limestone Street now returned to its original location on the Queen Victoria Parade service road.
“Cycling is a great way to get about our city, whether to see the sights, get healthy, or commute to work or study,” Cr Fechner said.
“The completion of this key stretch between the five-ways intersection and the Ipswich Bowls Club is welcome to all of us who regularly cycle around Ipswich.”
Division 3 Councillor, Marnie Doyle said Council had developed a number of projects to improve cycling access through Ipswich city centre, including the Brassall Bikeway, Western Ipswich Link Bikeway and Eastern Ipswich Link Bikeway.
“Separated cycling lanes are important not just for confident bike riders, but to encourage people of all confidence and experience levels to get out and about and experience our city differently,” Cr Doyle said.
“I’m pleased to see this project completed and new connections now open across our city.”
The project was supported with 50 per cent of funding through the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program and the remaining cost from Ipswich City Council.