A newly completed cycleway is set to provide Lower Hunter residents with more opportunities to embrace pedal power.
The Cessnock Road Cycleway consists of 2,240 metres of cycleway from James Leslie Drive to the pedestrian overpass at the New England Highway near Walker Street.
Construction on the stretch began in 2019 and was funded through the council’s developer contributions associated with the Gillieston Heights residential development, capital funding, and a $950,000 grant under the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Community Fund Round 1.
Maitland Mayor Loretta Baker said it was fantastic to see the project completed.
“Throughout the pandemic, more and more people turned to outdoor exercise, so I’m sure that the completed cycleway will be extremely popular for our community,” she said.
“The cycleway links the ever-growing Gillieston Heights area to Maitland CBD and provides locals with greater access to Maitland Park and Maitland businesses.”
Locals have been using sections of the cycleway since the first stage was completed in mid 2019, but cyclists and pedestrians will now have improved access from Gillieston Heights to Central Maitland.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro, said the cycleway would provide greater connectivity for local cyclists while encouraging more people to get outdoors and become more active.
“The Stronger Country Communities Fund is delivering projects right across regional NSW that are making a big difference to everyday life and I am proud that the now completed Cessnock Road Cycleway will provide local cyclists and pedestrians with safer and convenient access to the New England overpass,” he said.
To find out more about the project, visit the council’s website and search Cessnock Road Cycleway.
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