The Traralgon-Morwell Shared Pathway is expected to be ready to use in its entirety next month.
The last elements of the 10-kilometres shared pathway are being completed and should be finished within six weeks.
The $4.55 million pathway for cyclists, runners and walkers stretches from the Morwell Railway Station to the Kay Street gardens in Traralgon.
Local MP Darren Chester said he was looking forward to the project being finished.
“I hope the shared pathway will become popular with locals who are keen to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors,” Mr Chester said.
“I can see people using the pathway to get some exercise, have a bite to eat or drink in the other town before returning along the pathway again to come home. I think that will be a great thing to do on a weekend.
“Encouraging Gippslanders to get more active, more often is a passion of mine. Investing in better facilities on public land is good for tourism and the liveability of our local communities.”
Mr Chester secured $1.6 million from the Federal Government for the pathway project as part of its $20 million investment in community infrastructure following the closure of Hazelwood Power Station. Latrobe City Council is managing the project.
Preliminary work began this week on the section from the McDonald Street intersection at Princes Drive.
Later this month, a passive rail crossing will be installed over the Australian Paper spur line. Further work will then be undertaken at the pedestrian refuge on Alexanders Road, which includes the installation of a new street light.
The finishing touches are now being made to the boardwalks along Old Melbourne Road, with handrails and bollards to be in place by early March.
“This has been a significant project for the Latrobe Valley. A pathway linking Traralgon and Morwell has been on many people’s wish list for a long time,” Mr Chester said.
“It is terrific to be part of the team that delivers this new public infrastructure for people to enjoy for years to come.”
