Melton City Council has reviewed the options for a footpath network along Sugar Gum Drive and Boronia Drive in Sugar Gum Estate.

Sugar Gum Estate was originally developed as a lifestyle, low-density estate, at a time when pedestrian connections were not required for rural, low-density estates. Today, this infrastructure is provided by developers at the time of development and is included in property costs.

Council recognises that growth in the surrounding areas including new schools, shopping centres, parks and sporting facilities has created demand for a footpath network in Sugar Gum Estate.

Council is proposing to widen the road shoulder and providing a kerb separated pedestrian path. This is a path that would suit the existing infrastructure and rural lifestyle in the estate and would be a viable alternative to a fully urbanised road and footpath. The path is proposed to be on the outer edge of Sugar Gum Drive, and the southern/outer side of Boronia Drive.

This type of path, as shown below in some 3D drawings, has successfully been implemented on similar roads in other areas such as Ararat, Armidale and Playford. It is a common treatment used to separate bicycle lanes from vehicles.

You can find out more about this project on Melton’s budget website here.