Living Here
Pedestrians and cyclists to benefit from construction of shared footpath
Gladstone Regional Council has commenced construction of a shared footpath at Tannum Sands, linking two main thoroughfares often utilised by school students and nearby residents.
Council’s road crews will construct a 560m-long, 3m-wide footpath along Coronation Drive adjacent to Tannum Sands State High School (TSSHS) from Cremorne Drive to Tannum Sands Road, Tannum Sands.
Works are expected to be completed by mid-March 2022, weather permitting. Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said the shared path will have the necessary width to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.
“Currently there are no existing footpaths along either side of the road from the start of Coronation Drive up to the intersection of Winton Way, from there a small 1.2m wide sealed gravel path provides minimal footpath space along the road to TSSHS entrance,” Councillor Burnett said.
“This project will connect the existing concrete footpath at Tannum Sands State High School with the existing concrete and asphalt footpath on Tannum Sands Road.”
Works will include site preparation and minor earthworks, construction of new footpath, construction of associated kerb and kerb ramps and installation of a Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) raised priority crossing.
Removal and replacement of barrier fence, drainage works, supply and install of signage and pathway markers and landscaping adjacent to path will also occur.
Works will be carried out Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm with some noise and dust expected at the site. Traffic management will be in place during certain times.
Cr Burnett said the $550,000 project will be jointly funded by Gladstone Regional Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads through the TMR Cycle Network Local Government Grants 2021-22.
“Gladstone Regional Council and the Queensland Government are definitely on the same page when it comes to promoting walking and cycling as an alternate mode of transport,” he said.
“This is another infrastructure improvement for our region made possible with support of the Queensland Government.”Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher was pleased to see works getting underway.
“This project will provide better connectivity with the high school for all those students who walk or ride to and from school,” Mr Butcher said.
“Investments like this will help get more people riding more often, especially vulnerable users like school children, around the Gladstone community."
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to working with local councils to deliver positive outcomes for communities.
“We all know I am a big advocate for active transport, so I’m pleased to see projects like this underway across the state,” Mr Bailey said.
“Since 2015, we've invested more than $244 million in bike-riding infrastructure, planning and programs, and into walking initiatives across the state.
"This year we also awarded more than $141,000 to 15 community groups across the state for projects to encourage more bike riding through the first round of the Bike Riding Encouragement Community Grants Program.
"We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in bike-riding infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and lower transport costs.
"That's why the Palaszczuk Government has committed $252 million in funding over the next four years to support and encourage bike riding across the state, including projects across the Gladstone region, to improve facilities for locals and tourists alike.”
This Cycle Network Local Government Grants project is jointly funded by the State Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants 2021-22 and Gladstone Regional Council.
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