ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Katy Gallagher, today announced an off-road shared cycle and pedestrian path is to be progressed alongside the Majura Parkway project.

"Five hundred thousand dollars has been allocated to conduct detailed design work and an environmental impact assessment for the off-road path which will help inform the final costing for the project," the Chief Minister said.

"A feasibility study has already been undertaken for the off-road path which will run parallel to the Majura Parkway from the Federal Highway to Morshead Drive.

"The study was completed with assistance from Pedal Power and Canberra Off-Road Cyclists. The path is proposed to be 3.5 metres wide and will connect with paths from the Morshead Drive/Pialligo Avenue intersection as well as Horse Park Drive and the Federal Highway.

"The proposed off-road shared path will provide another means for cyclists to get to and from work. It will also help recreational walkers and cyclists, as well as tourists, to access the various businesses along the route, the Majura pine plantation and other Majura Valley tourist facilities which are particularly popular on weekends.

"Once the design work and environmental impact assessment are finalised, a funding bid for construction of the off-road path will then be included in future Budget processes to ensure it is completed in time for the expected opening of the Majura Parkway in 2016."

The Chief Minister said that when the initial funding bid was prepared for the Parkway, the Majura Valley had not been identified as a major cycling and walking route.

"With the continued growth in Gungahlin, the various tourist attractions in the Majura Valley and the developments at Canberra International Airport, the Government recognises the need for a safe off-road path in the vicinity of the Majura Parkway to complement the on-road cycle lanes that will be included on the Majura Parkway," the Chief Minister said.

The Majura Parkway project is currently out to tender until Tuesday 31 July 2012 and the contract is expected to be awarded in late-August 2012. The $288 million project has been jointly funded by the ACT and Federal Government.