Work has recommenced on a major active transport upgrade to Hugh and Gulliver streets, one of Townsville's busiest cycling corridors.
The Gulliver and Hugh Streets Active Transport Facilities Upgrade will see 2.5km of 2.5m-wide shared concrete pathway installed along the corridor connecting Woolcock Street and Ross River Road.
Works will also include on-road painted bike lanes, 1.5m footpath sections, raised crossings at minor intersections and a signalised SMART pedestrian crossing near Wellington Street.
New cycle and pedestrian ramps will also be installed and sections of existing driveways will be replaced.
The project will give riders a new and safer way to traverse the busy stretch and improve crossing opportunities and visibility for both pedestrians and riders.
The project is being delivered in four stages, with Stage 2 — Ross River Road to Palmerston Street (western side) — just begun.
Stage 2 is a $3.8 million project, jointly funded by the federal government and the City of Townsville.
Stage 2 is expected to be largely completed before Christmas, with the remaining elements to follow in the new year.
Mayor Nick Dametto said the project would improve safety for all.
"Every day, almost 16,000 cars travel along Hugh and Gulliver streets, which connect the major arterial routes of Woolcock Street and Ross River Road," he said.
"This busy stretch experiences high pedestrian and cyclist numbers, particularly during morning and afternoon peaks as students from Pimlico State High School and TAFE Townsville travel to and from their classes.
"The corridor also includes a mix of high-density residential properties and commercial premises that increase traffic demand in the area.
"Currently, cyclists are often forced to mix with motorists — this project will address this issue, reduce congestion and improve safety for everyone using the corridor whilst helping to protect the liveability of our great city."
Stage 1 of the project — Palmerston Street to Ross River Road (eastern side) — was completed in February at a cost of $1.02 million.
Stages 3 and 4 — between Palmerston and Woolcock streets — will be delivered in the months to come.
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