A 7.5 kilometre off-road shared trail along the railway line between Watergardens and Sunshine stations is the number one priority of a multi-council strategy to improve pathways in the west.
The western metropolitan region trails strategic plan seeks to improve the connectivity, quality and usage of regional trails in Melbourne’s west over the next decade, with input from Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Melton councils.
The plan found the west had “an incomplete network … (with) gaps in otherwise extensive trails, as well as trails that stop short of logical destinations or connections”.
The proposed Sydenham trail shared path has “the potential to provide a significant link through the centre of the West Trails network,” the plan states.
“Due to the length of the trail (about 11 kilometres), funding could be a significant issue in implementing this proposed trail.
“There are also a number of major roads and potential rail line crossings that could pose potential issues.”
It’s proposed to connect a shared path with the current M80 trail, and a mooted Regional Rail Link trail, from “West Werribee to the existing selection of trail within the municipality of Brimbank”.
The path currently runs along the train line from West Footscray towards Sunshine.
The strategy also calls for an extension of the Sydenham rail trail along the railway line from Harvester Road to Sunshine station, and fill gaps in the Kororoit Creek trail, including between Burnside and Caroline Springs.
“The Kororoit Creek Trail is currently disconnected and only exists are certain lengths along the Kororoit Creek,” it found.
The council and VicRoads worked on a detailed alignment plan for the Sydenham trail three years ago.
