South-East corridor receives a $6.67million bike path boost

21/5/04
A massive $6.67million will be spent on building new bike paths in the South-East corridor, ensuring the area is no longer cycling's poor cousin.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the projects for new bike paths along the Perth-Armadale train line would all start during the coming year.
Ms MacTiernan said the funding would bring the total State Government contribution to bicycle facilities in the Gosnells-Armadale area to $7.3million over the past three years.
Projects to be developed along the Armadale train line include:

• construction of a 2.1km shared-use path from Kenwick Station to Maddington Station, at a cost of $1.9million;
• construction of a 1.4km shared-use path from Gosnells Station to Tonkin Highway, at a cost of $1.6million;
• construction of the Albany Highway to Fremantle Road, Gosnells, shared-use path, at a cost of $2.65million;
• construction of shared-use path facilities as part of upgrade of Kelmscott train station, at a cost of $200,000;
• construction of shared-use path facilities as part of the upgrade of the Gosnells train station, at a cost of $225,000; and
• construction of a 300m shared-use path from Armadale Road to Forrest Road, Armadale, at a cost of $100,000.

Ms MacTiernan said the projects would provide safe and accessible routes for cyclists traveling along sections of the Armadale train line, which had been ignored under the previous Government.
"Cycling is a brilliant way to get around but it can be dangerous if the right infrastructure is not in place," she said.
"The construction of the shared path from Kenwick to Maddington and Gosnells Station to Tonkin Highway will significantly improve the accessibility and safety of cycling in the area.
"The major roads for cycling in the area are not very suitable and cyclists are currently using back streets to get where they need to go.
"The first project to get started will be the Kenwick to Maddington shared path, followed by the Gosnells Station to Tonkin Highway path. Tenders for work on the upgrade of Kelmscott station will be advertised in the coming weeks."
Southern River and Roleystone MLA's Paul Andrews and Martin Whitely welcomed the funding, which would connect suburbs along the Armadale train line to the entire metropolitan bicycle path network.
Mr Whitely said he was pleased the Kenwick to Maddington Station path had been identified as a priority project.
"Many people in the Kenwick area have spoken to me over the years about the need for improved cycling paths," Mr Whitely said.
"It is good to see this area getting the funding and infrastructure it needs."
Mr Andrews said the construction of the shared path from Gosnells Station to Tonkin Highway would address significant safety issues in the area.
"It is vital that we are able to support people in their desire to live healthier lives if we want to build better communities," Mr Andrews said.
Minister's office: 9213 6400