The Willoughby community has secured $6 million in funding to construct a key two-way separated cycle connection between Chatswood and St Leonards, via Artarmon through Hampden Road and Herbert Street.
Member for Willoughby Tim James said the announcement was a big win for the local active transport network and would improve cycling connectivity across the Willoughby area.
“I’m a strong believer in investing in and growing our active transport infrastructure,” Mr James said. “Separated cycleways encourage the use of a safer, cleaner, cheaper and healthier alternative to driving and appeal not just to existing riders but also those wanting safer options.”
“The Chatswood to St Leonards route has been identified as a high-priority strategic active transport corridor. The cycleway will link the major centres and transport hubs of Chatswood and St Leonards with the Artarmon local centre, Artarmon industrial area and the Royal North Shore Hospital.”
“The route has been identified by advocacy group Bike North as one of the highest priority projects in Northern Sydney and that’s why I and the Liberals committed to funding it prior to the last state election. It’s pleasing that after tireless advocacy for this route the funding will be delivered,” Mr James said.
“The cycleway will complement an extension to the existing Frank Channon Walk shared path through the Sydney Metro Dive Site in Chatswood that opened in March.”
“There’s good news here for motorists too, as the project includes new and upgraded traffic signals along the route, including new signals at the busy intersections of Herbert St and Ella St as well as at Hampden Rd and Brand St.”
“The cycleway will also complement the Pacific Highway Shared Path that I was pleased to support and open in 2022.”
The funding will be provided as a NSW state government grant from the Get NSW Active Program to Willoughby City Council who will construct and jointly fund the cycleway.