Charlestown to Whitebridge - Active Transport Route

The project aims to construct a safe and attractive active transport route that connects Charlestown to the Lake Macquarie regional cycling network.

It will provide a direct, safe, all ages and abilities link for walking, assisted mobility and cycling that connects the broader Principal Bicycle Network.

The route will connect Charlestown, the city's largest economic centre, to the iconic Fernleigh Track and beyond, with links to Newcastle and the wider Lake Macquarie area.

This transport option meets Council's goal to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport over other modes of mobility in and around economic centres.

The project will be completed in multiple stages over five to six years.

Start and finish dates are yet to be determined. 

Council will fund the project through a range of sources including grants and development contributions.

Council successfully secured $3.65 million from Transport for NSW under the Get Active NSW program to begin construction of the Flaggy Creek and Kaleen Street sections.

The route is approximately 2.7km long and follows Frederick Street, Milson Street, Kaleen Street, Waran Street and Kopa Street.

Council will also investigate safety improvements along Flora Close and Lonus Avenue.

The route will be made up of shared paths and split cyclist and pedestrian offerings to improve safety where the road environment allows.

A pedestrian and cyclist bridge and short length of boardwalk will be provided over Flaggy Creek.

The project will also include intersection modifications and road rehabilitations.

From 21 March-11 April 2022, we sought feedback from the community as part of a feasibility study for the Charlestown to Whitebridge cycle route/shared pathway.

Two main route options were presented to the community, alongside three small optional connections to the routes.

Feedback was captured from the community to help determine the most viable route.

View the engagement summary here(PDF, 2MB) .

We went back to the community from November to December 2023 asking for feedback on three route options for the section of shared pathway/cycleway through Whitebridge:

Based on community feedback and analysis of available route options, Council will move ahead with a 3m wide shared path on the nature strip from Waran Road to Kopa Street, with access provided to Flora Close.

The route can be viewed in the above FAQ section.

In response to safety concerns raised through this engagement regarding the existing traffic conditions, particularly along Lonus Avenue, Council will also investigate road safety improvements for road users along Flora Close and Lonus Avenue. 

View the engagement summary here(PDF, 156KB) .

The project will consist of a combination of shared path in some sections and side-by-side bicycle path (cycleway) and footpath in other sections.