Foster Shared Path second round consultation

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council is seeking further feedback on a proposed shared pathway for Station Road Foster.

Foster Shared Path second round consultation

Last year, the Foster community were surveyed to determine if there was a need for a shared pathway for cyclists and pedestrians between the Foster town centre and the Great Southern Rail Trail. The investigation was funded by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) with the aim of improving safety along Station Road.

119 people participated in the survey with 55 per cent of respondents saying they walked or rode a bicycle in the area at least weekly. 

73 per cent of survey respondents said they supported a shared path connecting the main street with the Great Southern Rail Trail, and 67 per cent said they would walk or ride more, if safety improvements were made to the route. 29.5 per cent of respondents said that they felt unsafe walking or cycling in this area.

After the consultation period concluded, feedback was considered – along with crash, volume and traffic data – and two draft designs were developed. 

Council is now seeking feedback from the community again, to see if these proposed designs meet expectations and are supported by the local community. 

The first option is for a pair of on-road bicycle lanes on Station Road (one in each direction). The two lanes would be separated from the kerb where space allows. The second option is for a separate bi-directional bicycle path at footpath level (i.e. above the road surface), using space currently occupied by either nature strips or parked vehicles. 

For both options, the existing footpaths would remain in place for the exclusive use of pedestrians. If there is significant support for one of the concept designs, a detailed design would be undertaken with a view to apply for further TAC funding to implement the supported option.

To find out more about the proposed options, including plans, please go to: yoursay.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

 Kerryn Ellis, CEO South Gippsland Shire Council said, “From our previous engagement we know that there is support for a shared pathway in this area. Now we need to find out if there is support for either of the concept designs that have been developed. I would encourage members of our community, especially those who are regular users of Station Road, to complete the short survey to let us know your thoughts.”

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