Footpaths a safe network

Karratha residents will soon be able to walk and ride on a series of new footpaths and bridges being constructed across town.

The works are part of a $10 million Shire of Roebourne program to develop and improve footpath networks across the Shire over the next 10 years.

One of the largest new shared pathways under construction stretches along Dampier Highway and aims to improve pedestrian access and community safety for residents.

Shire of Roebourne president Peter Long said the new path was part of a commitment to providing a safe network of footpaths.

"The community has told us loud and clear that they want to see more and better quality footpaths for community use," he said.

"The Shire has a network of more than 80km of footpath and so far this financial year we have spent nearly $1.7 million on the provision of new pathways across the Shire.

"More than $500,000 has been allocated to the construction of the second phase of the new shared path which runs from Galbraith Road in Pegs Creek to Hillview in the city centre and includes 1000m of pathway and three over gulley bridges."

Mr Long said a further $386,000 would be spent next financial year on extending the path from Galbraith Road to Euro Drive in Baynton.

"Once complete, there will be a dedicated cycle- way running all the way from Dampier to Karratha and a shared pathway from Baynton to the city centre," he said.

More than $90,000 in funding for the project has come from the Department of Transport's Regional Bicycle Network initiative.

The new Dampier Highway pathway is expected to be fully completed and ready for use by June.