Shared bicycle and walking paths will be built in Burnside and Caroline Springs to provide alternative travel options for locals.
The federal government will provide $2.1 million for the paths from its active transport fund.
Three kilometres of shared paths will be built along the eastern side of Westwood Drive, from Rockbank Middle Road to Quinn Street in Burnside, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to travel safely through to Ballarat Road
The project is anticipated to cost just under $2 million, with $969,527 covered by the federal government and the remainder to be funded by Melton council.
Shared use crossings will be installed along both sides of the Caroline Springs Boulevard and Gourlay Road corridor and existing zebra crossings will be modify to become shared use crossings, at a cost of $2.3 million.
The government will provide $1.15 million for the project, with council to provide the rest.
This work will pedestrians and cyclists to safely travel along the 8.5-kilometre stretch and connect to Caroline Springs station, schools, shops, and sport and community facilities.
The designs for both projects will be undertaken in 2025-26, with construction expected to commence in 2026-27.
Mayor Steve Abboushi said the funding would help reduce reliance on cars and give residents the option to walk or cycle to schools, shops or work dnd improve their health and wellbeing while doing so.
