Local cyclists and pedestrians are buckling their helmets and lacing up their joggers because upgrades to the Canterbury Underpass are now complete.

The Underpass, which is a vital link in the Cooks River path and cycleway, has been transformed to provide walkers and bike riders with a safe and accessible 100-metre long, 3.5-metre-wide shared path.

The $9 million project was delivered in partnership with City of Canterbury Bankstown and Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program, with grant funding of more than $3.5 million.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek was joined by NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen and NSW Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis to officially open the upgraded Canterbury Underpass in a ribbon cutting ceremony today.

Mayor El-Hayek said the completion of the project is a major win for our community.

“The Underpass provides a vital link between Canterbury Station and the Cooks River and these upgrades will make for an easier and safer commute,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“Council is actively working to improve cycleways and walkways across our City and this Underpass is a fantastic joint project we have delivered with the NSW Government.”

Upgrades to the Canterbury Underpass included providing greater clearance between the ground and the bridge and a widened path to allow ample space for pedestrians and cyclists to use the path at the same time.

New lighting has been installed along the length of the underpass to enable safe passage along the Cooks River under Canterbury Road and a stormwater drainage diversion established to prevent flooding.

The adjacent ramp and podium were also upgraded to connect the path to the road above.

NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said the new path and underpass will mean a much smoother and safer ride along the Cooks River for families.

“I can’t wait to see them make the most of it over summer,” Minister Haylen said.

NSW Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said local communities love this pathway and have been calling for this upgrade for a long time.

“I want to thank Council for their work to deliver this project that will serve communities right along this 30km alignment for years to come,” Minister Cotsis said.

Mayor El-Hayek added this upgraded underpass is just one of the projects that are part of a wider effort to improve safety and accessibility across Canterbury.

Other upgrades in Canterbury include:

• Canterbury Town Centre improvements including new traffic signals, streetlights, paved footpaths and undergrounding power lines;
• Construction of a shared bike path and pedestrian crossing connecting Pat O’Conner Reserve;
• Canterbury Leisure and Aquatic Centre construction; and
• Tasker Park precinct upgrades, including a new half basketball court.

To stay up to date on Council works and projects, visit cb.city/Projects