The latest concept design proposed to deliver a range of improvements to make it easier and safer for people walking and bike riding between Curl Curl and Freshwater has been adopted by Council with the project given the go ahead to proceed to delivery.
The project which has been evolving since 2021 has presented 3 designs to the community for consideration with 758 comments being received from the community with the overwhelming majority supporting improved connectivity.
Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins said council agreed to seek an independent design review following the April 2024 Council meeting.
“I’m pleased to announce that independent consultants were engaged to review the latest designs and in consultation with experts from Transport for NSW’s Active Transport Strategy Team we’ve landed on the best possible outcome for this project which meets safety, design, and community expectations for active travel in the area.
“The underlying aim of this project has always been to provide safe transport options for shorter trips to encourage people to walk and bike ride around the area and we have finally found the right balance.” Mayor Heins said.
The revised design in Bennett Street Curl Curl and Oliver Street Freshwater includes:
- 1.5km of new cycle way
- 10 new raised crossings
- Raising the cycle way from road level to footpath level by extending the kerb and gutter
- Removing the need for raised concrete separators whilst providing vertical separation between bikes and vehicular traffic
- Additional travel lane width to 3.1m, comparable to the existing space provided
Although these additional features are a more costly solution and fall outside the current funding arrangement - a grant from the Commonwealth Government’s Federal Stimulus, School Infrastructure Program, it is proposed that the project proceed in stages, contingent upon the availability of appropriate grant funding.
Works are expected to be delivered around school holidays to minimise disruption and ensure safety to the local community and school children.
This project is part of Council’s district bike route which will link the strategic centres of Dee Why, Brookvale and Manly, as identified in the Northern Beaches Bike Plan 2020. This route includes onward connections south to the Spit Bridge and north to Narrabeen.
To learn more about this project visit our website.