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Cowes-Rhyll path upgrade starts 29 January 2024 funded by $416,000 as part of Victorian government's Regional Infrastructure Fund

A 700m segment of the Cowes-Rhyll trail, popular among pedestrians and cyclists, will undergo upgrades by Bass Coast Shire Council, including converting gravel to concrete. Work starts on January 29, with some closures.

By news@gippsland - 2nd February 2024 - Back to News

A 700m stretch of the popular trail between Cowes and Rhyll will be upgraded to a shared use path for pedestrians and bicycles, as work continues to establish an important connection between the two townships. Bass Coast Shire Council will start work on January 29. The upgrade will include the current gravel path and will replace some sections with concrete. Phillip Island Nature Parks construction staff will also soon start work to widen boardwalk sections and replace decking with non-slip material.

The Cowes to Rhyll Shared Path project enhances pedestrian access, connecting Rhyll and Cowes, promoting well-being, reducing traffic, and expanding the trails network

Construction progress

The works will be conducted in stages from late January to May, with a section of the trail between Conservation Hill car park and the Cowes-Rhyll Road crossing closed for two weeks from January 29. The Victorian Government has committed $416,000 for the project as part of the Regional Infrastructure Fund, which supports its commitment to upgrade and extend local walking trails to create more active transport opportunities for locals and visitors.

Phillip Island Nature Parks General Manager Infrastructure and Planning, Jarvis, said a section of trail would be closed while the works are completed. "We have scheduled the work to coincide with the off-peak season to minimise any impact to trail users. However, it is necessary to close a section of the trail while the works are undertaken."

Trail access advisory

Jarvis also said, "The trail may be opened intermittently while the work is undertaken so we encourage locals and visitors to modify their routes to avoid disruption, to observe the signs and respect cordoned areas to ensure safe trail use."

Bass Coast Mayor Clare Le Serve said the latest round of works would allow users safer and better access to the trail and would complement the $326,000 upgrade of the Cowes-Rhyll Road pathway funded by the council in 2020. "These works will offer greater access for trail users to enjoy the trail and spectacular views of the coastline and Phillip Island." For more information, visit Cowes to Rhyll Shared Path Connection website.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com