Macedon Ranges streets ahead

Road and footpath restorations are improving safety and sprucing up the Macedon Ranges.

Redevelopment of Kyneton’s walking and cycling trail along Campaspe River has been given the go-ahead by the state government, announcing a $300,000 grant last week.

The $400,000 project will improve links between Kyneton’s key retail, transport and recreation centres with the construction of a one kilometre long, 2.5 metre wide concrete shared trail with five footbridges.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the trail’s upgrade will benefit the local community and visitors to the area.

“This is all about enhancing the vibrant and varied tourism offerings within Kyneton and improving community health and social inclusion by providing a safe, shared and accessible trail for everyone,” Ms Thomas said.

Signs will be installed to direct visitors to Kyneton’s main features such as the botanic gardens, racecourse, museum and Piper Street.

Macedon Ranges council said a start date for these works has not yet been set.

Numerous other road and footpath improvements are being undertaken by the council before the winter weather sets in.

The addition of new guardrails and a new anti-slip surface are about to begin on Ashbourne Road, Woodend.

The upgrades are part of the Australian Government’s Black Spot program. The road was the scene of a fatality in July 2015, and several other road incidents have resulted in casualties.

A wider, sealed surface is also on the way for Chanters Lane in Tylden, with works expected to be complete by June 2. In the coming weeks Lyell Street, Gisborne will gain 20 new parking bays.

Chambers Road, Ashbourne is closed from Falloons Road to Taylor Road until the end of June for drainage works while works on the footpaths of Hamilton, Aitken and Brantome streets in Gisborne should be completed by mid-June.

The construction of a timber boardwalk under the railway bridge along Nursery Road, Macedon is also under way, and due to be finished by June 30.