.png)
A pedestrian and cyclist corridor is a long, regional pedestrian and cyclist route that also services local walking and riding trips. It prioritises the time, safety and amenity of pedestrians and cyclists.
It is delivered through a range of infrastructure, which can include:
- Paths (pedestrian, cyclist, shared), bridges and boardwalks
- Raised priority crossings, refuge islands, missing pedestrian legs at intersections
- Landscaping, water fountains, bike parking and other supporting infrastructure
The need for a regional pedestrian and cyclist corridor alongside the main Western Line has long been identified by the NSW Government and Council as part of a longer link to Blacktown and further west.
The project will connect the existing popular Girraween Creek paths to the existing and proposed Finlaysons Creek paths, then onwards to the new Westmead Metro Station and Parramatta Aquatic Centre.
The link will not only enable regional trips along the corridor, but improve access to local schools, centres, parks, and train stations.
Given the regional nature of the connection, with speeds and volumes of users likely to be higher, where space allows it is proposed to have a separated bike path on the rail side of Wentworth Avenue and footpath upgrades on the opposite side.
At train stations where there is demand for a pedestrian path on the rail side, if there is a suitable amount of space, a separate footpath will be provided but if the space does not allow for separate paths, a shared path will be provided when there is no alternative.
The underpass at Toongabbie Station will make walking and cycling access to the station and Toongabbie shops shorter, safer, and more enjoyable.
The Cumberland Highway is an unpleasant and slow crossing experience for pedestrians and cyclists, with challenging access from the east. A new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the Highway will prioritise the movement and safety of pedestrians and cyclists to Wentworthville Station and beyond.
Sydney Trains is upgrading the bridge over the rail line at Bridge Road, Westmead to have a total three traffic lanes, a footpath on the western side of the road and a shared path on the east. Plans are available to be viewed here.
Given the access constraints on the northern side of the rail line in this location, Cumberland Council was consulted on the proposed alignment and have exhibited their plans for Alexandra Avenue, Hawkesbury Road, and Bailey Street. Consultation has now closed, but the documentation can be viewed here.
There are a number of changes proposed to parking arrangements along the corridor.
Comprehensive parking surveys were completed along the entire corridor to understand current usage patterns. The parking surveys recorded a total of just over 1,400 on-street car parking spaces, with a peak use of just over 750.
Where parking has a demonstrated high demand (usually at stations), sufficient parking provision is being retained to meet current needs.
Between activity centres where parking demand is low, it is proposed that some on-street car parking spaces be re-purposed on the rail side to allow for the delivery of pedestrian and cyclist paths and supporting amenity.
It is anticipated that the delivery of this project will leave a surplus of over 300 parking spaces.
Once public exhibition has concluded, the results will be reported back to the Parramatta Traffic Committee and then Council for decision. Should the project be supported, Council will explore opportunities for internal and external funding to complete detailed design and staged construction over a number of years pending availability of funding.
