Months after being deemed “essential” by a parliamentary committee, the state government has confirmed a multi-million-dollar pedestrian overpass will be built in Kingston.
$3.9 million has been locked in as part of the upcoming state budget to fund the link between Huntingfield Park and Ride and Hollyhock Drive.
The overpass will be delivered alongside the broader $76 million Kingston Bypass Duplication and Algona Roundabout upgrade.
“The new pedestrian overpass is a key part of the plan to improve safety and travel time along the Kingston Bypass through one of the fastest growing population centres of our state,” Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said.
The announcement comes after the committee identified the overpass, which was included in the initial plans but remained unfunded, as a critical missing piece in the overall road project.
The committee found the overpass was crucial to maximising benefits from the road upgrade and strongly recommended urgent funding to build it.
Transport Minister Eric Abetz said the overpass would make crossing the highway “easier and safer” for people heading to the nearby Metro park-and-ride facility.
“The new overpass will significantly improve safety for pedestrians, particularly for nearby residents and those using active transport to access the Huntingfield Park and Ride,” he said.
“Current plans will see the overpass stretch across the Channel Highway from the park and ride to the subdivision developments in the area.”
Local cycling groups have long pushed for safer access, describing the current setup as “extremely hostile” for anyone trying to cross the road on foot, by bike or scooter – particularly during busy periods.
Construction of the broader bypass project is expected to begin later this year, pending environmental approvals, with the work taking about two years to complete.
