Hornsby Shire Council has supported a proposal to construct an off-road active transport corridor along Old Northern Road between Glenorie and Dural.
The 11.5km stretch of Old Northern Road, on the north-west outskirts of Sydney, currently features no facility for bike riders or walkers although it is a major transport route in the region.
It winds through verdant countryside and new active transport infrastructure would make it attractive to new riders and pedestrians.
The road marks the boundary between Hornsby Shire and The Hills Shire, as well as the local state and federal electorate boundaries, so any upgrades will need to be a joint effort.
Hornsby Shire Council unanimously supported Councillor Nathan Tilbury's motion at its June meeting to work directly with The Hills Shire Council and seek the support of relevant state government ministers, local state and federal MPs and Transport for NSW to develop a feasibility study.
The Hills Shire Council is expected to consider a similar motion at an upcoming meeting.
Old Northern Road is controlled by the state, so any upgrades are the responsibility of Transport for NSW. Both councils will jointly request funding support from state entities to undertake a feasibility study and plan the project's eventual delivery.
"At present there is no safe pedestrian or cycling pathway along Old Northern Road between Glenorie and Dural,” Cr Tilbury explained.
"Tragically, pedestrians have been killed walking along Old Northern Road, with the most recent death in November 2024.
"For some time, Mid Dural Public School has also raised serious concerns about pedestrian safety along Old Northern Road due to lack of paths and road crossing facilities around the school."
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