Penrith City Council is building a new pedestrian pathway along the western side of Nepean Avenue between Tench Reserve and Memorial Avenue. The detailed design for the pathway is now underway, informed by community feedback. Construction is due to start in mid 2024.

This project will deliver the missing link on the Great River Walk by completing the popular Bridge-to-Bridge loop and address current safety issues by eliminating the need for pedestrians to walk on the road.

This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Penrith City Council. Council secured $1.25 million through the Metropolitan Greenspace Program and Council will match this funding. A further contribution is allocated from Council’s District Open Space Contributions Plan.

Pedestrian activity within the Nepean River Precinct has steadily increased since the opening of the Yandhai Nepean Bridge in 2018 and as a result of ongoing investment in improvements around the Nepean River, stimulated by the Our River Masterplan (2013).

Nepean Avenue, located between Memorial Avenue and Tench Reserve, is the critical ‘missing link’ to complete the Bridge-to-Bridge loop as it currently has no footpath infrastructure and only limited room on the road verge.

Temporary safety measures were implemented by Council in 2020, while a more permanent solution was investigated. The interim measures included reducing the speed limit to 40km/h, changes to parking zones, and new signage and road markings.

A survey conducted in November 2022 indicated, across a 5-hour window between 8 am and 1 pm (Saturday), that patronage of Nepean Avenue remains very high and above pre-COVID movements with 379 cars, 1025 pedestrians and 67 cyclists recorded.

An independent road safety audit concluded that despite the existing temporary measures, pedestrians are at high risk along Nepean Avenue. The report recommended a clear separation between pedestrians and traffic to prevent accidents and serious injuries.

The community consultation period on the draft design ran from 17 July to 14 August 2023. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback.

The draft design was formally endorsed at Council's Ordinary Meeting on Monday 25 September 2023. Council will now progress the project to detailed design and construction.

Construction will occur in stages to minimise disruptions for residents and the community.

Council and the construction contractor will keep the local community updated throughout the project. The project is expected to be complete by late 2024.

Draft Design

Key features

Key features of Nepean Avenue Pathway Project

3D Video

3D Fly-Through Video

Quick Poll - Safety

Do you think the pathway will improve pedestrian safety on Nepean Avenue?

This poll has concluded.

Yes
72% (214 votes)
No
28% (84 votes)
Total Votes: 298

Quick Poll- Experience

Do you think the pathway will enhance the Great River Walk experience?

This poll has concluded.

Yes
72% (226 votes)
No
28% (86 votes)
Total Votes: 312