TAMWORTH will get $1-million worth of cycle paths for the next three years, the state government announced.
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A total of $3.28 million will be wheeled out, creating a network of paths for cyclist across the city.
"This is such great news as we expect this funding will complete most of the missing links in our existing cycling network," Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said.
"This funding is for use on local roads, and includes $55k per year to be spent on signage, seating, line marking, and of journey facilities to improve the network.
"I'm a big believer in people's safety and the construction of these shared paths will create a safe route for people to walk or cycle to the multiple sporting facilities around Tamworth and reduce the reliance on cars."
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Tamworth mayor Col Murray welcomed the funding announcement and Council had been working hard to prepare plans for the funding submissions.
"In a short time Tamworth has moved ahead with its cycle ways. I want to congratulate the staff for their excellent planning and funding submissions," Cr Murray said.
"These paths will serve our city for many decades to come."
Tamworth Bicycle Users Group founder and chair, Greg Johnstone said the news of the funding was "unbelievable".
"I'm ecstatic at this news, we've seen some really positive steps taken to ensure our cyclists can move around the city in safety," he said.
The projects anticipated to be delivered in year one
- Connect Gipps Street car park to Locks Lane car park - $205,000.
- Connect existing riverside paths at Jewry Street end to Solander Drive end - $102,000.
- Cossa Street (Warral Road to Youth Centre, and Youth Centre car park to Cole Road) - $171,000.
- Duri Road connection (Dandaloo Street to Tamworth Lions Park) - $132,000.
- Duri Road connection (Robert Street north to existing path, including Duri Road crossing treatment) - $94,000.
- Warral Road connection from Stewart Avenue to existing path outside retirement village - $10,000.
- Johnston Street connection from Bligh Street to Dean Street - $233,000.
- Bligh Street connection from Peel Street to North Street - $125,000.
- Ancillary works at various locations (signage, seating, water refill stations, line-marking and wayfinding) - $55,000.
Works scheduled for years two and three
- Calala Lane (Osprey Way to Falcon Drive) - $570,000.
- Ebsworth Street (Gipps Street to Bridge Street) - $132,000.
- Warwick Road / Greg Norman Drive (Existing Shared Path to Darien Ave) - $815,000.
- Locks Lane connection - $510,000. (if there are sufficient funds remaining)
- Priority Cycleways ($287,000 in 2019/20)