Stage one of the trail towards Barwon Heads – being built as part of the Barwon Heads Road duplication – is complete.
The 4km path is a major boost to active transport in the Geelong region and links the growing southern suburbs to inner Geelong.
Stretching from Settlement Road in Belmont to Reserve Road in Charlemont, the three-metre wide concrete trail connects new residential areas to community facilities
And it provides an important connection to the trails along the Waurn Ponds Creek and the Barwon River.
The path features an underpass below Waurn Ponds Creek Bridge, allowing users to avoid crossing Barwon Heads Road.
This underpass also benefits Waurn Ponds Creek Trail users and communities on the road's western side with safer, easier access to South Barwon Reserve.
New signalised crossings and intersection improvements at Settlement, Crows, Barwarre, Marshalltown and Reserve roads were installed as part of the road upgrade.
The 200-metre elevated section at the Geelong end of the trail offers sweeping views of neighbouring Jerringot Wetland.
The project will include signage with information about the area, including its native flora and fauna and cultural significance to the Wadawurrung community, due for completion this year.
The path is decorated in places with etchings of native bird footprints. Traditional Owner BJ O'Toole's footprint designs appear in the vicinity of the respective birds’ habitat.
Along with the shared-use path and intersection upgrades, the project has also removed a dangerous level crossing and replaced it with a bridge over Marshall's rail line.
A 6 km second stage now in planning will take the duplicated road and the shared trail from Reserve Road through Charlmont to Lower Duneed Road, Armstrong Creek.
When stage two is open it will provide these riders with a useful connection to Bluestone School Road through to 13th Beach Road into Barwon Heads, part of a popular recreation circuit.
Images courtesy of Major Roads Projects Victoria.
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