Lake Street Shared Path set to open in new year

11 December 2020

Work on the Lake Street Shared Path in Merimbula is nearing completion, however challenges with sourcing materials, brought on by COVID-19, mean the path won’t open until March 2021.

Council’s Project Manager, Sam Watson says delays to the project timetable have been caused by disruptions to the supply chain for stainless steel, which has impacted the fabrication and installation of safety rails. 

“Despite the shared path looking complete, without rails in place it is unsafe and we have a duty of care to the public,” Mr Watson said.

“This means it will be a construction site until the end of February and will be fenced off to manage public safety while work continues.

“We understand that residents and tourists may find this frustrating, particularly as the Djirringanj Peoples Walk between Rotary Park and Bar Beach is also closed as the result of unstable bridge and erosion issues, however public safety is our priority.”

Council urges residents and holidaymakers to continue accessing Bar Beach and the Merimbula wharf area by car from 16 December when the intersection of Main Street and Lake Street will be reinstated and the street returned to a two-way traffic flow with a speed limit of 25km/hr in place until the project is complete.

In addition to the erection of fencing to close off the incomplete path, Mr Watson said a number of other safety measures will be put in place while works continue.

 “We know people are keen to walk to and from the Bar Beach and wharf areas as part of their daily exercise routines and visitors to the area enjoy exploring the area on foot.”

With a bumper visitor season ahead of us, the good news for visitors and residents is that the area south of Wyeebo Street will be available for overflow parking from Bar Beach during summer.

Lake street will be closed during work hours on Tuesday 15 December (except to local residents) when large water-filled barriers and the site shed are removed.

Work on the shared path will stop temporarily on Tuesday 22 December and recommence Monday 4 January 2021.

Council is currently scoping the necessary repairs to the Peoples Walk. However the complex nature of the repair work required, which must factor in topography and cultural sensitivity, means this work will take some time to plan and complete.