The popular Slacks Tracks pathway is being extended to provide City of Logan bike riders with a future connection to the Veloway (V1) into Brisbane.
It will also provide workers with an alternative scenic, active and potentially time saving commute to and from the Slacks Creek industrial and commercial precinct.
Construction has begun to connect the Slacks Track (also known as the Slacks Creek Route) from Reserve Park at Lake Rd and Gunungai Dr to the Pacific Highway service road.
The $4.2 million cycling and pedestrian link is jointly funded by Logan City Council and the Australian and Queensland governments.
The Australian Government funding of $2.7 million was provided through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.
This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.
The Queensland Government will provide $350,536 of funding as part of its Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.
The 2.5 metre-wide pathway will include a 35-metre bridge from Reserve Park to Rowland Street, over Slacks Creek.
It will run north along Rowland Street before turning east onto Westerway Street.
The Australian and Queensland Government’s Pacific Motorway (M1) – Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway (DH2LM) upgrade project, which includes extending the V1 to Loganholme, proposes a future access point to the V1 at Westerway Street.
The extended V1 will provide City of Logan bike riders with a safe and efficient route to Brisbane and encourage the use of greener modes of transport.
Planning for the project is underway, with the business case expected to be completed in mid-2023.
Infrastructure Chair Councillor Teresa Lane said the Slacks Creek shared pathway was a forward-thinking project designed to serve the immediate and future needs of City of Logan residents.
“Council is proud to design and deliver infrastructure projects like this one that help local people explore our community, and lead healthier lives,” Cr Lane said.
“This new pathway and bridge will make it easier to choose active transport options through our city and will create a great on ramp/exit option for the future V1 upgrade.”
Council’s contribution will include $100,000 from the Division 3 Local Infrastructure Program.
Division 3 Councillor Mindy Russell said the pathway was designed to be as safe as possible for people who ride bikes, jog or walk.
“This exciting extension to our popular Slacks Creek cycle route will be used for day-to-day travel for people going to work, as well as recreation for families,” Cr Russell said.
“New lighting and CCTV cameras will ensure the pathway is a safe and accessible travel option for anyone, at any time of day.”
Federal Treasurer and Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers said the Australian Government had invested strongly in projects across City of Logan.
“Initiatives like this one are an example of what we can deliver when all three levels of government work together,” he said.
“I run on this track regularly and I know how wonderful it is, and how much better these improvements will make it.
“For local cyclists it will also connect to the Veloway into Brisbane and improve access to the industrial and commercial precinct.
“Once it’s completed, the extension of the Slacks Tracks pathway will help cater for growth in our area, give families new ways to explore our community and give workers more options on their daily commute.
“Great projects like this one also create jobs and opportunities and give a solid boost to the local economy.”
“Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman said the Queensland Government is investing in projects to support communities to be more social and physically active.
“The Slacks Creek shared pathway will mean even more opportunities for local parents to spend quality active time with their kids, and make riding to work a more attractive option for commuters,” Ms Fentiman said.
Four on-street car parks will be removed on Rowland Street to improve visibility along the pathway.
Kerb ramps and signage will also be installed.
