Willoughby City Council’s $5.8 million Pacific Highway shared pedestrian and cycling path is now open and running between Chatswood and St Leonards.

Cyclists and pedestrians can now use the safe off-road path between the two major centres which spans 3.5 kilometres and has been designed to integrate with Willoughby’s active transport network.

Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor joined Willoughby MP Tim James and local cycling and walking enthusiasts to launch the shared path.

Mayor Taylor said the shared path is a clever re-purposing of what is currently a busy traffic thoroughfare into an active transport corridor.

“This shared path is in line with the Council’s community priority to enhance transport options and connections, including increasing the number of journeys to work which do not use a motor vehicle,” Mayor Taylor said.

Member for Willoughby Tim James said he expects the path to be very popular with Willoughby residents.

“We know the Willoughby community is very keen to take part in healthy, active transport, including walking and cycling, and welcomes this safe, convenient path that will ensure our local communities are well connected,” Mr James said.

The three-metre-wide Pacific Highway path begins at Herbert Street, St Leonards and runs to Nelson Street, Chatswood.