\nThe project has been given a $3.1 million funding boost under Newcastle\u2019s COVID-19 stimulus budget, allowing for completion of construction of a 1.1km section that stretches from Merewether Beach to Glebe Road at The Junction.
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![\"CityToMerewhetherCycleway-map-800-wide.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au\/getattachment\/Council\/News\/Latest-News\/$3-1-million-boost-for-cycleway-link-from-the-city\/CityToMerewhetherCycleway-map-800-wide.jpg.aspx\" "\\"CityToMerewhetherCycleway-map-800-wide.jpg\\"")
\nPlans include a 2.5m-wide, bi-directional shared path along Watkins Street and Coane Street, between Watkins and John Parade, with new and upgraded crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
\n\u201cBy prioritising our investment in Newcastle\u2019s cycleway infrastructure we hope to help encourage this surge of interest to continue beyond the current climate, enabling cycling to play an even larger role within Newcastle\u2019s transport\u202fmix now and in the future,\u201d Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
\n\u201cThe cycleway will create an important connection with one of the city\u2019s favourite coastal destinations and encourage more people to make the switch to pedal power.
\n\u201cWe are committed to promoting cycling as\u202fa\u202fgenuine transport option for residents, families, commuters and recreational users, which is why\u202fexpansion and improvement of the\u202fcycleway\u202fnetwork is one of the City\u2019s priority projects.
\n\u201cImproving and expanding Newcastle\u2019s cycling network is an important investment in the future of our city, in line with the adopted Newcastle Cycling Strategy and Action Plan.\u201d
\nAlmost $5 million has been allocated to cycleways projects under the revised 2020-21 capital works budget, including $3.1 million for the Merewether to The Junction\u00a0 cycleway, as well as funding for a missing cycleway link on University Drive between Blue Gum Road and the inner-city bypass in Birmingham Gardens.
\nCouncillor and cycling enthusiast John Mackenzie welcomed the funding.
\n\u201cCycleways deliver a range of benefits to the community by reducing pollution and congestion on our roads, improving a person\u2019s health and wellbeing and reducing their environmental impact,\u201d Cr Mackenzie said.
\n\u201cI am pleased to see these cycleways projects being prioritised within the revised budget and look forward to seeing them progress during the next 12 months and beyond.
\n\u201cOur community has been very clear in stating that improved cycleways throughout the city would encourage people to swap the car for the bike in their daily commute to work and school.
\n\u201cThis initial stage is an important step towards the completion of the overall City Centre to Merewether Beach cycleway project, which will provide a first-class route\u202fbetween the inner city and one of our most popular beaches.
\n\u201cIn recent months, as a result of COVID-19, we have seen increasing numbers of residents making use of our city\u2019s cycleways for both transportation and recreational purposes.\u201d
\nConcept designs for the Merewether Beach to The Junction cycleway will go on public exhibition from Monday 29 June until Monday 27 July via the City of Newcastle\u202fwebsite.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"