UP, UP AND AWAY ON NEW BIKEWAY

Cycling is about to reach new heights with a $12.4 million cycleway now being constructed set to fly over Ipswich Road once complete.

Transport Minister John Mickel said the cycleway will fly over Ipswich Rd at a height of eight metres – taking cyclists safely out of traffic.

The Minister said the new cycleway will be almost a kilometre long, with a 570 metre section elevated to span across Ipswich Rd and 350 metres of pathway along Kent Street.

“The east-west cycleway will form a critical connection from the South East Freeway cycleway and southern suburbs, to the hospital, and further on to the University of Queensland,” Mr Mickel said.

The cycleway will be integrated with the under-construction Boggo Road Busway to further enhance travel options for commuters, students and visitors.

“The concrete cycleway will run alongside the busway but will be separated from it to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists,” Mr Mickel said.

"Once complete the cycleway will also provide more cyclists and pedestrians with access to the South East Cycleway and V1, a major route into the city from the south.”

The new cycleway is being built at the same time as the $226 million Boggo Road Busway.

Together, the busway and cycleway will help to tackle traffic congestion by offering more travel options.

“These projects offer the option of taking a fast bus, cycling or walking between major destinations such as the Princess Alexandra Hospital, the new Boggo Road Precinct and the University of Queensland via the Eleanor Schonell Bridge,” Mr Mickel said.

“Construction of the busway is 75 per cent complete and due for completion in mid 2009, while work on the cycleway, which began in October, is also scheduled to finish mid-next year.

"The Queensland Government is committed to promoting alternatives to the use of private vehicles for transport. Cycling, jogging or walking instead of driving a car reduces harmful exhaust emissions while providing exercise for a healthier lifestyle. It also provides alternatives for people to avoid congestions and rising fuel process.”

When opened, the Boggo Road Busway will daily to transport up to 13,000 passengers from the eastern and southern suburbs directly to the University of Queensland, reducing travel times by up to 10 minutes.

The new cycleway will become a vital link in the Queensland Government’s $556 million South East Queensland Cycle Network Program which identifies cycling infrastructure as a key priority for the region and is part of the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program.

-Ends-

15^th November 2008

Media Contact: Jane Rowe 3237 1125 or 0409 588 302

FAST FACTS

·The cycleway costs $12.4 million

·It will be 920 metres long – 570 metres elevated and 350 metres along Kent St

·It will pass eight metres above Ipswich Road

·Construction started in October and is expected to be complete in mid-2009

·It will be four metres wide, two-way and a shared pedestrian and cycle pathway