If you’re a keen cyclist or have a bike on your Christmas wish list, you will welcome the news that construction of the Old Bar Cycleway is due to commence this month, providing a continuous cycle track from Purfleet to Old Bar.
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Contractors working on behalf of MidCoast Council will construct a three kilometre section of gravel path alongside Old Bar Road between Harrogate Lane and Follies Road, accessible from existing footpaths in Old Bar via Medowie Road, Berber Road and Harrogate Lane.
At Follies Road the cycle path joins with a series of existing trails through Khappinghat National Park and Kiwarrak State Forest, the target for minor improvement works as part of the project.
“This is not only great news for the local cycling community, the newly installed section of bike track will be welcomed as a safe and enjoyable route for families and cyclists of all ages and abilities,” Rhett Pattison, MidCoast Council’s manager, projects and engineering.
“Both locals and visitors will enjoy social rides between Taree and Old Bar Beach, as well as access from Old Bar to the Kiwarrak Mountain Bike Park.”
Targeting cyclist safety, the off-road gravel path will be constructed adjacent to Old Bar Road, separating riders from motorists.
Road crossings at Old Bar Road, Manning Point Road, Red Gum Road and Harrogate Lane, and bridge crossings at Warwiba and Oyster Creeks will also be installed to reduce the hazards associated with riding amongst general traffic.
Commencing mid-October, work is scheduled to take place over an eight week period, approximately, which means if weather is favourable the cycleway will be open for use during the busy summer holiday period.
While the works will primarily be a safe distance off Old Bar Road, some disruption to traffic may be experienced at times and motorists are asked to observe all roadworks signage and travel with caution.
“This section will complete the connection for cyclists from the highway at Purfleet through to Old Bar”, Rhett said. “Directional signage and gravel patching on existing trails, particularly wet areas within the national park, will help riders make the most of this exciting addition to the local area.”
The Old Bar Cycleway project is funded under the NSW Government’s Regional Priority Cycleway Program, and is part of MidCoast Council’s commitment to improving infrastructure across the region.
Visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/oldbarcycleway for more information and to stay updated.