Bussell Highway cycle path closer

A shared path running alongside Bussell Highway is a step closer to reality with stage one of the ambitious project’s funding approved.

A 1.6km path between Washington Avenue and just south of Centenary Road will be built on the western side of the highway under the Greater Bunbury Bicycle Master Plan.

Proposed future stages could see the path stretch even further south to Hasties Road.

Master plan working group chairman Peter Eckersley said securing money for the project brought the group’s number one priority a step closer to fruition.

“The funding enables the City of Bunbury and Shire of Capel to develop one more section of shared path towards closing this gap in the regional network,” he said.

The first stage was made possible by a $222,500 contribution from the Department of Transport, $175,000 from Bunbury City Council and $47,000 from Capel Shire Council.

The shared path is one of several projects identified in the master plan, which was created in 2012 to guide development of cycle infrastructure across Greater Bunbury.

The master plan was an initiative of the South West Development Commission, endorsed by Greater Bunbury councils.

Department of Transport policy, planning and investment managing director Graeme Doyle said the investment into the regional cycling network would benefit both tourists and residents in the area.

“This project will help ensure local infrastructure meets the needs of the State’s growing cycling community,” Mr Doyle said.