Improved cycling and shared path network planned for the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory Government has undertaken a review of the cycle and shared path networks in Greater Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

Local Territory businesses have undertaken strategic planning to identify priority improvements to the cycle and shared path networks over the next 10 years to meet future demand.

For the Greater Darwin and Alice Springs areas, local engineering firm Stantec has undertaken planning works and GHD NT have done these works for Katherine and Tennant Creek.

Feedback from Stage 1 consultations has resulted in 134 proposed improvements across Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek.

Stage 2 consultation is now open to inform stakeholders of the proposed improvements and to gather additional feedback to help confirm how the proposal will meet user requirements.

In addition, the Territory Government has awarded a $530,000 tender for the construction of a new shared cycle and walk path between Stuart Park and Woolner.

The path, which was an election commitment by the Northern Territory Government, will improve connectivity for pedestrians between the Tiger Brennan Drive path network and Stuart Park’s path network.

The work, which include earthworks, installing culverts, concreting, signage and more were awarded to local business Wombarra Civil Construction. Construction is anticipated to start late May and be completed by mid-August.

The project will see a concrete shared path and ramp construction between Flinders Drive and Tiger Brennan Drive’s shared path, which will improve accessibility for users – especially school students travelling to and from nearby Stuart Park Primary School.

The new concrete footpath will formalise the path and be continued along Flinders Drive to provide crossing for path users to connect to the rest of the Stuart Park network.

Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler notes “we know Territorians live an active lifestyle and we are ensuring we have the right infrastructure in place for our community to do just that.

“Once complete, this new shared path will extend to the Flinders Drive crossing for users to connect to the rest of the Stuart Park network.

“Connecting the Territory is important – whether that be roads or bike paths – creating safe transport link is our priority.

“The local GHD office, along with Stantec, have been undertaking planning studies on where new bike paths can go around the Territory over the next 10 years.

“This round of consultation is important as it will highlight where Territorians would like to see these new links go.”

The consultation will run until 16th May 2022. For more information and maps summarising the priorities visit dipl.nt.gov.au/projects/nt-shared-path-network-reviews.