Asset Services Information Sheet – Footpath Construction
Introduction
Council views the street as an important space for the community and recognises the need for a path network that provides connectivity, amenity, and integration of a safe, efficient and attractive path network within the streetscape.
The priority is to develop a street network that not only meets the needs of motorists, but also aims to attract a high level of use by pedestrians, cyclists, and users of other wheeled recreational devices. Underpinning this is the need to provide safe and effective public access to parks and reserves, public transport, educational institutions, commercial centres, medical facilities, and other community amenities.
Evaluation Process for the Installation of a Path
When assessing requests for the installation of a new path, Council considers the needs of the wider community. Requests are assessed against the following criteria.
- Does the street have an existing path?
- Would the new path provide connectivity to the existing path network?
- Would the new path provide access to parks and reserves, public transport, educational institutions, commercial centres, medical facilities, and other community amenities?
- Will the path improve access for people with disabilities living in the street?
Path Hierarchy
Access Place – A path will not be provided in a street that is a cul-de-sac, and/or has less than 20 dwellings, and/or is less than 120 metres in length.
Access Street
A path will be provided on one side of all streets greater than 120 metres in length, and where traffic volumes are fewer than 3000 vehicles per day.
Neighbourhood Connectors
A path will be provided on both sides of the street where traffic volumes exceed 3000 vehicles per day. Paths may be omitted from one side of the street in this instance where there is no development fronting that part of the street and/or, topography or vegetation precludes provision of a path and/or, the proposed path will not provide linkage to the existing path network.
Bicycle Lane
Council will endeavour to provide bicycle lanes on roads where traffic volumes exceed 3000 vehicles per day in accordance with the Perth Bicycle Network, and designated local bicycle routes.
Shared Path
Where space is available within the road reserve, Council will endeavour to provide a shared path on roads where traffic volumes exceed 6000 vehicle per day.
The construction of paths, and the installation of bicycle lanes will be in accordance with the relevant Australian and Austroads standards, and subject to the availability of funds. The requirements of the standards and availability of funding will have precedence over the requirements set out in the Town’s Path Hierarchy.
Requests for New Paths
Requests for new paths will be assessed against the criteria contained in the Path Network Planning Policy and Guidelines. The Town will present a proposed and prioritised construction program to Council on an annual basis and seek the allocation of funding during the development of the Capital Budget for the forthcoming year.
All requests for new paths should be in writing to the Town’s Manager Asset Services
(PO Box 87, Bassendean, WA 6934).
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