Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester recently announced $1.6 million toward the pathway which will eventually link Traralgon and Morwell and complement nearby rail trails and national park walks.
Stage one will be the construction of a 2.5 metre wide path from the Morwell Railway Station to McDonald Street in Morwell. The works commenced late September and stage one is expected to take around six weeks to complete.
The second stage from McDonald Street to Kernot Hall will start in November.
Further stages of the project from Waterhole Creek to Alexanders Road to Old Melbourne Road and, finally, to Coonoc Road, Traralgon, will take place next year.
The path, which is around 10 kilometres long, is expected to be completed by mid- 2018.
Mr Chester said the shared pathway was a community-driven project.
“Locals have been working for many years to achieve this shared pathway, which will allow people to ride their bicycles or walk or jog between Traralgon and Morwell,” Mr Chester said.
“The project links two of the shire’s major towns – and importantly, has significant health benefits, encouraging exercise and promoting healthier lifestyles,” Mr Chester said.
Funding for this project is being provided by the Federal Government ($1.6 million) and Victorian Government’s Safe System Road Infrastructure Program ($2.95 million).
Latrobe City Council is delivering the project.
