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Popular Ipswich bikeway reopens after upgrade

A part of the popular Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) in Ipswich has reopened, following the completion of a key section of the Brassall Bikeway Stage 7 project.

The project, funded by Ipswich City Council and the Queensland Government through the Cycle Local Government Grants Program, has seen the construction of a concrete shared pathway on an existing section of BVRT between Diamantina Boulevard in Brassall and Bayley Road in Pine Mountain.

The upgrade also includes new drainage and shade tree planting, as well as installation of lighting under the Warrego Highway underpass to increase safety.

Division 4 Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said the completion of this section of the Brassall Bikeway was a major boost for the Ipswich community.

“Council is committed to creating active transport solutions to help get more people walking and cycling in Ipswich,” Cr Kunzelmann said.

“This latest connection, which forms part of council’s broader iGO Transport Action Plan, increases safety and connectivity for the city’s cyclists and pedestrians.”

Division 4 Councillor Russell Milligan said the new bikeway was a great option for people looking to get around the region in a more active way.

“The project particularly benefits residents in the Pine Mountain catchment who are now conveniently connected to schools, shops, public transport and employment south of the Warrego Highway,” Cr Milligan said.

“The new sealed pathway also makes the area safer for people and families who want to go for a recreational walk or bike ride.”

Division 4 Councillors Russell Milligan and Kate Kunzelmann joined Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden and Friends of the BVRT Inc representative Tanya Smith on the upgraded Brassall Bikeway Stage 7. 

The project factored in the various uses of the different sections of the Brassall Bikeway Stage 7, including the off-road trail north of Bayley Road which is more suited to thrill seekers rather than commuters.

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said on average, every dollar the Queensland Government invested in bike-riding infrastructure would return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queenslanders with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion and lower transport costs.

 “That’s why we’re investing more than $15.5 million in funding to local governments to deliver new high-priority bike networks over the next two years,” Mr Madden said.

 “I’m pleased to see councils like Ipswich City joining our commitment to delivering safer facilities for bike riders.

 “During these extraordinary and challenging times, it has been positive to see a significant increase in the use of dedicated bikeways.”

Works will continue on the Bayley Road connection to the BVRT until mid-2020 and will not affect users of the BVRT.

The overarching Brassall Bikeway project has been split into seven stages. Stages 1 to 4 have already been completed while Stages 5 and 6 remain underway.

Stage 5 runs along Keswick Road, Karrabin across Ironpot Creek, connecting into Diamantina Boulevard, Brassall. It is expected construction will be completed by the end of June 2020.

Stage 6 is planned to connect to an existing bikeway connection point at Stage 1, North Ipswich and will cross the Bremer River into the Ipswich CBD. Due to its complexity, work on the planning of this project has been ongoing for a number of years and is yet to be finalised.

Want to stay up to date with all of Ipswich’s active transport projects? Email [email protected] with iGO ATAP in the subject line to be added to the distribution list.

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