Box Hill to Ringwood bike Path gets the green light

Public Transport and Roads Minister, Terry Mulder, today announced more than $10 million to fund the construction of the Box Hill to Ringwood bike path.

The funding, included in the Mitcham and Rooks Roads rail grade separation project, will ensure the Coalition Government delivers on its election commitment to complete the path.

Mr Mulder said a dedicated shared path along this popular route for cyclists and pedestrians, would ensure a safer environment and better access and amenity for local residents.

“In 2010, the Coalition made an election commitment to develop the Box Hill to Ringwood bike path; a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists,”said Mr Mulder.

“Funds will be allocated to the shared path which will realise the Government’s commitment to construct the Box Hill to Ringwood shared path.

“With funding secured, we will now continue to consult with councils, stakeholders and the local communities to best determine a preferred route for the path.

“This bike path will provide a safe transport option for cyclists and walkers, better local connectivity, improved health and wellbeing, as well as reduced congestion.

“The Mitcham Road and Rooks Road Rail Crossings Removal project is not only reducing congestion for motorists, but also improving safety for all road users and providing additional connections for other transport modes.

Member for Mitcham, Dee Ryall, was thrilled with the announcement.

“This is a fabulous result for our local community and those who will use the track for both recreational and commuting purposes. It enables locals to walk and ride in a safe environment providing health and social benefits all round. The Whitehorse Cyclists have advocated from day one for the construction of this 10km shared bike and I am proud to both support it and for the Coalition Government to deliver on this election commitment,” said Ms Ryall.

Member for Box Hill, Robert Clark, also welcomed the announcement of the bike path.

“This bike path will open up huge new opportunities for cycling in the eastern suburbs. It will allow people to cycle safely from Box Hill to Ringwood or anywhere in between, whether for recreation, work, school or shopping,” Mr Clark said.

The rail crossings removal project which includes the shared path for pedestrians and cyclists will be completed by late 2014. Planning and pre-construction of the bike path will commence in June 2013, with the project expected to be completed in 2015.

“This comes on the back of $1.5 million towards the broader Ringwood and Box Hill Connections project that will improve safety and access at the two major Central Activity Areas,” Mr Mulder said.

“This includes:
• a new shared path between Wantirna Road and the western end of Thanet Court Ringwood
• New bike and pedestrian crossing of Wantirna Road at the Station Street intersection to provide a direct crossing to Ringwood Station
• Improvements to the pedestrian operated signals on Canterbury Road at Haig Street Box Hill, to support cyclists, and
• Improvements to support pedestrians and cyclists cross Albion Street at the intersection with Middleborough Road Box Hill.”