SHANE Rattenbury has announced the completion of works, ahead of schedule, to upgrade a path within Bowen Park along the Kingston and Barton Foreshore.

“The $600,000 upgrades along a 510 metre section of path from Bowen Place car park to Eastlake Parade were completed this week following final landscaping works,” Shane said.

“Previously a red gravel narrow path weaved around the East Basin of the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore. Now, the new shared concrete path will enable cyclists and pedestrians to safely move around this area of the Kingston and Barton precinct, improving the connection between the Parliamentary Triangle and the Kingston area.

“New signage, as well as lighting, was installed to improve safety along the path so it can be used at night.”

“The upgrades will benefit Canberrans now and into the future. During construction works of the wider path, 14 trees were removed to accommodate for the wider path with other trees pruned. To replace the removed trees, 12 new trees were planted around the park with another three to be planted in December 2015.

“The existing footbridge and jetty on the foreshore was not removed and was incorporated as part of the new path.

“The main path is 355 metres long and 3.5 metres wide adjacent to the lake. Two other adjoining sections measuring 155 metres and two metres wide take users from the Bowen Park car park to the lake and from Eastlake Parade to the lake.

“In addition to the new path works along the water’s edge, new on road cycle lanes are planned to be installed along a section of Eastlake Parade and Eyre Street within the Kingston Foreshore development. These additional cycling facilities will improve the connection for people cycling around the lake for recreation or on their daily commute.

“These additional works are planned for completion before January 2016.

“The ACT Government is committed to supporting a healthy, active and productive community with the Healthy Weight Initiative and the new path will make it easier for Canberrans to get regular exercise around this part of the city,” Mr Rattenbury said.