Mount Alexander Shire Council completed pedestrian crossing and footpath upgrades along Walker Street, Castlemaine, in September 2023.
The project supports Council’s ongoing focus on improving safety, accessibility and walkability across the shire by strengthening connections within the local footpath network.
Walker Street is a key link between ‘The Mill’ precinct and the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, both of which attract increasing numbers of residents and visitors as Castlemaine continues to grow. Prior to the upgrade, poor‑quality footpath assets and limited crossing infrastructure created risks for pedestrians and cyclists accessing these popular destinations.
The project delivered a sealed 1.5‑metre asphalt footpath on the southern side of Walker Street, connecting the pedestrian crossing at the railway line to the existing sealed path at the Barkers Creek Bridge. This significantly improved connectivity and provided a safe, continuous route for people walking between key activity centres.
The works also included the installation of new pedestrian crossing outstands, street lighting, disabled parking spaces and a new pedestrian bridge, all designed to enhance visibility, accessibility and safety for users.
The project achieved its aim of enabling safer and more accessible pedestrian movement by:
- constructing a sealed footpath between the railway line and the Barkers Creek bridge
- improving pedestrian connectivity between ‘The Mill’ and the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens
- increasing visibility for pedestrians through installation of new street lighting
- upgrading and installing pedestrian crossings along Walker Street
- providing accessible parking and a new pedestrian bridge to support inclusive access
The design for this project was completed in 2021, with construction works finalised in September 2023. The upgrades now provide a safer, well‑lit and more accessible walking route that supports community use of public spaces and encourages active transport throughout Castlemaine.