Lota Creek boardwalk (between Whites Rd and Chelsea Rd)

[darkelf921]

This boardwalk will be closed between the 2nd of June and the 30th of June. After sepaking to the BCC, it appears as though some substantial repairs will be performed to the structure and to the embankments. However they stressed it does not appear as though there will be any upgrades performed.

It means, during the month of June, you will not be able to ride between Whites Rd and Chelsea Rd. You will have to ride down Green Camp Rd to get to Ricketts Rd. Be careful as Green Camp Rd is narrow and very busy.

I do not work for the BCC, I only have limited information from them as I asked. They will place a formal advertisement of work being performed, on their web site next week.

[Crawf]

Thanks for the heads up.

[baghwan]

Green Camp Rd and Ricketts Rd are a death trap waiting to happen, traffic both ways comes fast with no shoulder to speak of.

If the tide is in and I can't take the causeway, I just cancel my ride that way since that stretch terrifies me.

[darkelf921]

Apparently there is a concrete path between the top of Whites Rd an Chelsea Rd, bypassing the creek (somehow). It goes through the "bush walking" area.

I've only been told about it. The only place you have to dismount is entering and exiting the path. I'll be looking for it in a test run prior to the boardwalk closure. Otherwise I will taking other routes and avoiding Chelsea Rd. I also hate riding on Green Camp Rd and everytime I've done it I could not wait to get off it as it is too nerve racking.

[Crawf]

Apparently there is a concrete path between the top of Whites Rd an Chelsea Rd, bypassing the creek (somehow). It goes through the "bush walking" area.

I'm pretty certain there is nothing.
There are loads of walking paths, but none go back over the Lota Creek.

[darkelf921]

I've done this trip a few times now as an alternate to the boardwalk. Do a search in Strava for a segment Chelsea Rd to Manly Rd via Honeyeater Track. The whole track is bitumen.

[Crawf]

Ahh good man, must be newer than google images then!

http://app.strava.com/segments/7187517" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Edit: Where exactly will it dump you? Manly or Dane?

[Gordonhooker]

Must go and check out that track - it doesn't show up on google maps bike trails.

[darkelf921]

I use Dane as less cars even if you have to jump the fence

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[cancan64]

I think I prefer the honeyeater track to the boardwalk..although would be better if it was light, not foggy and dry

[darkelf921]

Less branches on the track and remove the gates and I'd agree

[redsonic]

I just rode the Fairy Wren/Honeyeater track for the first time this morning. Really nice surface (when there are no sticks or branches) and lovely scenery through the trees. I did note at the Chelsea Rd entry that they had a sign saying no bicycles. I imagine you would be unlikely to be penalised at the moment with the Lota boardwalk closed.

I took some photos in case anyone is wondering what it is like. Please excuse the quality - first Gen iPhone!

The first of 2 new bridges across the creeks:



A typical stretch of the track:



If you're heading East (from the Manly/Dane Rd end), you will want to turn LEFT at this sign- they seem to have the signage wrong, as Left will get you to Chelsea Rd



Here is how it looks from the Chelsea Rd entrance:



And the track on the map:



The path is really nice and wide - certainly wider than the boardwalk and flat for most of the route, though it does kick up at the Manly Rd end.
It would be nice if they decide to allow/encourage bicycles in here - I don't see why we wouldn't be welcome if we stick to the path and look out for walkers.

[darkelf921]

I agree. I now prefer this track to the boardwalk. A much nicer ride. Ultimately I would hope they could widen the boardwalk but I don't see it happening.

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[cancan64]

I Liked it the first so much I think I will give it another go tomorrow morning...

[baghwan]

Is there a deal with the fence onto Chelsea Rd?

[redsonic]

Bagwhan: I'm not sure what you mean. You can enter via a timber gateway that is designed to stop vehicles but allow a wheelchair through. I entered by the identical timber gate at the other end of the track (Manly Rd) and you just have to wheel the bike vertically for a bit as you go through.

[cancan64]

The only part that you have to climb over the gate is whites road

[darkelf921]

And the boardwalk work is now showing completion date of 31/7 Who's surprised?

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[redsonic]

And the boardwalk work is now showing completion date of 31/7 Who's surprised?

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Wow, they only underestimated it by 100%!

[redsonic]

Rode past the boardwalk entrance this morning; still closed, and they seem to still be working on it.

[darkelf921]

I doubt it will open in August either. This morning's ride by showed nothing different to June

[darkelf921]

It is open! They actually opened it! Same width. It looks like they've just replaced rotting timbers.

[redsonic]

Excellent!