A new footpath linking the Princes Highway with key health and community facilities in Bairnsdale will be constructed along McKean Street starting Monday 21 September.
East Gippsland Shire Council will build a new 1.8-metre-wide concrete footpath extending 280m between Princes Highway and Tomkins Street along the eastern side of Bairnsdale’s health precinct.
The project will provide a safer, more accessible route connecting Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Maddocks Gardens residential aged care and surrounding areas with the Princes Highway.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the new footpath was a much-needed improvement for an area used by some of the community’s most vulnerable pedestrians.
“Having a safe, accessible footpath here will make a real difference to older residents at Maddocks Gardens, hospital patients and visitors, and people who need to travel through this busy part of Bairnsdale on foot,” Cr Ashworth said.
“It’s also an important connection for school students and others walking between nearby schools, homes and community facilities. We want people to be able to get around their town safely and confidently, whether they’re eight or 80.”
Cr Ashworth said the project was another example of Council investing in practical improvements that make everyday life easier for the community.
“This section of footpath connects some very important places and will be well used. It’s exactly the kind of practical infrastructure that helps make Bairnsdale a safer and more accessible place to live, work and visit.”
Construction is expected to take about six weeks, weather permitting, and will be carried out by Council’s in-house works crew.
Construction will involve earthworks, kerb and crossing modifications and installation of the new concrete path. There will be some temporary disruption while the work is underway, including the closure of parking spaces within the construction area.
Traffic management will be in place throughout construction, with pedestrians, motorists and other road users asked to follow signs, barriers and directions from traffic controllers.
Council has contacted residents directly affected by the works to provide information about the construction.
Council maintains a total of 317km of footpaths and shared paths across the shire. Footpath maintenance issues can be reported via snapsendsolve.com or on Council’s website.