The Victorian Government has announced it will deliver a critically important component of the future trail network in Dandenong South.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams has committed to an 800-metre new section on the eastern side of South Gippsland Highway, between Dandenong Bypass and Hallam Valley Road, linking to the surrounding path network.
Active transport in this region has been blighted because of the current lack of connection between the trail along the Dandenong Bypass to the west and the existing trail networks to the east and the south.
Ultimately the bypass is expected to be extended further east, and the bike trail would be part of that extension. However, that could be years away.
And while further south there is a trail along the rail line from Cranbourne to Lynbrook, it was never extended to Dandenong.
All of these missing links are on the official strategic cycling corridor network.
The newly announced link, to be delivered as part of the nearby Progress Street level crossing removal project, will partially fill in these gaps, and assist the City of Greater Dandenong to move towards connecting the network on Pound Road through to the bypass trail.
This area is heavily industrialised, and with few options for public transport or even car parking, many in the local workforce have been keen to ride to work or walk to bus stops.
Although detailed planning is yet to be done, it is expected that the new path will be built along the South Gippsland Highway, well away from the road. It will be delivered in conjunction with the council and is expected to be opened in mid-2026.
The project is also installing a footpath along Fowler Road, reducing the 50km/h speed limit and improving lighting – ensuring the upgrades meet local needs and improve safety and accessibility across the precinct.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, said: “A new shared use path on South Gippsland Highway and a new footpath along Fowler Road is a big win for our community and local businesses – making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to move through the area.”
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