A dedicated bridge for cyclists and pedestrians along Daltons Road is now open.

The bridge provides a safer crossing of Russells Creek near the intersection with Ardlie Street.

Warrnambool City Council Mayor Cr Michael Neoh said the bridge received an allocation of $128,000 from Council’s Small Infrastructure Fund.

“This is a great project that will create a safer crossing of the creek for those on bikes or on foot,” Cr Neoh said.

“The Council has made pedestrian safety a real focus in recent years. People are being encouraged to walk or ride instead of use cars so where the Council is able to improve safety for cyclists and walkers, we will..

“The bridge is a really good example of how the small infrastructure fund can improve city liveability.

“The bridge follows other recent pedestrian-friendly projects including shared pathways along Koroit and Moore streets, the pathway to the Dennington shopping centre along Russell Street and pedestrian crossings in Lava Street and at the intersection of Wollaston and Mortlake roads.”

The Daltons Rd pedestrian bridge was built by local builder, L & H Van Kempen.

The Council established the fund  2014/15 in response to community and neighbourhood needs for infrastructure which were not always accommodated in the major capital works program.

The small infrastructure fund which was started with a 0.5% increase in rates in 2014-2015 and was budgeted to increase by a further 0.5% increase this financial year.