Johnstons Canal shared path upgrade
Background
On 22 November 2010 Council endorsed the upgrade of Johnstons Canal a much loved recreational route which links Sydney Harbour to the inner west.
The program involves the upgrade of an existing disjointed but well used path system from Bicentennial Park to Wigram Road, Forest Lodge.
Pedestrians and bike riders will enjoy a wider path with new park furniture, native tree planting, and improved lighting. A range of speed limiting devices and clear signage will be incorporated to promote safety for both pedestrians and bike riders.
The upgrade will be implemented by City of Sydney and Leichhardt Council and utilise a grant of $162,000 from the Department of Planning.
Three Staged Upgrade
The plans have been prepared in conjunction with Leichhardt Council and the local community.
The Johnstons Canal shared path site plan is available for download.
The upgrade is proposed to occur in three stages:
Stage 1: Hogan Park to Sterling Circuit by the City of Sydney
- The new path will formalise the existing ‘goat track’. The path alignment and surface treatments have been designed to minimise visual impact and maintain slow bicycle speeds
- The shared path has been designed to bridge existing tree roots. Additional native habitat planting and native screen tree planting to adjoining buildings will be implemented
- The recently completed Orphan School Creek shared path is located on the southern side of Wigram Road and provides links to Hereford Street and (via stairs) to Sterling Circuit. The existing stair to Sterling Circuit will be modified to include wheel ramps, to assist cyclists.
Stage 2: The Crescent to Hogan Park, Annandale by Leichhardt Municipal Council
- The shared path crosses into the Leichhardt Municipal Council LGA at The Crescent at a bridge underpass. It is proposed to increase sightlines, widen the useable area of the path and improve drainage and lighting in this section
- The existing path through Hogan Park is proposed to be widened by 0.5m with additional lighting and planting.
Stage 3: Bicentennial & Federal Parks to The Crescent, Glebe by City of Sydney LGA
- The shared path route follows the existing access road on the eastern side of the canal at Jubilee Oval until it reaches the entrance to the Harold Park Tram Sheds. The path crosses to the western side of the canal on the existing bridge and continues along an existing path, adjacent Federal Park (south).The existing path is proposed to be widened by 0.5m to reduce the likelihood of pedestrian and bicycle conflict
- An additional pedestrian path is proposed to link Bicentennial Park through Federal Park on the existing ‘goat track’ on the western side of the canal to improve general accessibility. New native planting will improve the park experience.
Proposed Timelines
Work will be carried in stages but the entire project is expected to be complete by December 2012, weather permitting.
Stage 1:– Hogan Park to Sterling Circuit construction, by the City of Sydney, commenced late November 2011 for completion mid 2012, weather permitting.
The City’s contractor Hargraves Landscapes will work Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5.30pm, and on Saturdays from 7.30am to 1pm. No work will be carried out on Sundays or Public Holidays.
During construction all efforts will be made to reduce disruption to park users. It will be necessary at times to close parts of the existing path, for which we apologise in advance. The result will be a greatly improved community facility.
Stage 2 and Stage 3 timelines to be confirmed.
Community Consultation
Extensive community consultation commenced with a community workshop at Harold Park Raceway in March 2009.
The local community, Leichhardt Councillors and stakeholder groups such as Spindlers and National Trust, Rozelle Bay Community Native Nursery, Leichhardt BUG, Bike Sydney, Coalition of Glebe Groups (COGG), also had a site walk-through to seek input on the proposal in March 2009.
The community was also consulted by letter box drops and doorknocking with feedback considered and adopted where possible.
Consultation with Leichhardt Council has been ongoing. The City will continue to liaise with Leichhardt Council through the implementation phases of the project
Downloads
- Johnstons Canal shared path site plan | PDF 5Mb
More Information
Information about this and other park upgrades please contact:
Ian Teh
Project Manager
Tel: 02 9265 9333
Email: iteh@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Sarah Scott
Design Manager
Tel: 02 9265 9333
Email: sscott@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
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Last Updated: Wednesday 23 November, 2011
