Midland to Perth cycle path nearing finish line

THE long-awaited cycle path connecting Midland with the city is in its final stages of completion.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder met with East Metropolitan MLC Alyssa Hayden at the Great Eastern Highway site today along with recently endorsed Midland candidate Daniel Parasiliti and Bassendean candidate Jim Seth.

Mr Nalder said he believed the State Government had a role to link up communities with activity centres and public transport networks.

“It provides people with choice,” he said.

“This type of infrastructure gives them an alternative mode to commute to the city.

“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of people who are cycling.”

Extensive works on the $3.8 million project had been underway since earlier this year.

Mrs Hayden said she hoped the 1.4km section between Morrison Road in Woodbridge and East Street in Guildford would boost connectivity along Great Eastern Highway for cyclists and pedestrians.

“With the popularity of cycling amongst our community, local residents can now jump on their bikes and enjoy a safe 13km ride into the City uninterrupted along the Midland rail line,” she said.

“Parents and children can cross safely at Woodbridge Station linking them to other local outdoor activities, and students who attend nearby Governor Stirling Senior High School can safely cross over Great Eastern Highway.”

Locals had recently expressed their concern to the City of Swan about the removal of gum trees to make way for the project.

Project manager Vince Fragomeni said Main Roads WA had been in consultation with the local council to find out what residents wanted.

“The City of Swan has been talking to local resident groups about what they want to see planted,” he said.

“There’s no point us coming in and planting what we think is right.

“They’ve said they don’t want anymore large gum trees; they’d prefer Bottlebrush and smaller Eucalypts that will grow to about 6-8m.

“Any taller and they will fall on the adjacent road and railway line, so we will have to control the heights of the trees.”

Mr Nalder said the next task was the path along the recently opened Gateway project.

“We’ve just undertaken 21km of cycle path on Tonkin Highway as part of the Gateway project, and we will do further upgrades now.

“We’ll end up with full connection through to Ellenbrook down Tonkin Highway.

“We see Midland being a key part of an activity centre for the growth and development of Perth as a metropolitan area, so this infrastructure is part of helping to set Midland up to be a more vibrant centre for the future.”