New shared pathway provides important north-south link

Users of the existing walk trail between the Chapman River footbridge and the Chapman Valley Road roundabout will soon be able to enjoy walking, cycling or skating on a paved pathway designed for all users. 

Starting next week, the City will be formalising the existing footpath that begins at the entrance to Spalding Park and leads to the footbridge on the south side of the river at the North West Coastal Highway with works to begin on Tuesday 29 March.  The shared pathway will continue on the north side of the bridge ending at the Chapman Valley Road Roundabout. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the 850m long and 2.5m wide asphalt pathway will improve community safety, promote healthier lifestyles and provide a much needed connection to the existing path network. 

“A large number of school students use the footbridge over the Chapman River to get and from school every day and at the moment there is no formal pathway on either side of the footbridge for students to safely cycle, walk or ride scooters to school,” he said. 

“The shared footpath will complete an important link between Geraldton's suburbs on both sides of the Chapman River integrating the existing coastal and river path networks with the CBD and coastal paths to the southern suburbs. 

“Residents living in the areas of Waggrakine, Glenfield, Sunset Beach, Spalding Park and Bluff Point will be able to enjoy the health benefits a fully accessible pathway provides for cyclists, pedestrians, prams, walkers and wheelchairs alike.” 

During the construction period the footbridge over the Chapman River will be open, however, pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from City personnel and contractors. The City strongly encourages the community to use the Chapman Road Bridge as an alternative river crossing. 

The $180,000 project, which was identified by the community during the Sunset Beach Precinct Planning workshops, is 50 percent funded by a Regional Bicycle Network grant from the Department of Transport with the City contributing the other half. 

Picture Caption: the Chapman River footbridge and the Chapman Valley Road roundabout will soon be able to enjoy walking, cycling or skating on a paved pathway designed for all users.