A LONG sought-after path in Travancore Park may be delayed for years to allow for East West Link construction.

The park is one of several Moonee Valley open spaces to be acquired for up to five years during construction for the State Government's $8 billion road project.

Moonee Valley Council ­approved a new 3m fenced path to separate cyclists and walkers amid concerns ­riders on the Moonee Ponds Creek trail were going too fast and dogs were running across their path.

It allocated $140,000 to start the path by mid-2014, but Linking Melbourne Authority's comprehensive impact statement revealed construction activity would ­delay those plans.

Mayor Jan Chantry said the postponement was "extremely disappointing".

"Our community is very passionate about the new path," Cr Chantry said.

Moonee Valley Bicycle ­Users Group vice-president Frank Kinnersley said he was extremely concerned about whether alternative cycling routes would be provided.



"There is a certain type of cyclist that is not confident enough to ride on the road. People say you can use Mt ­Alexander Rd or Myrnong Cres, but even on Myrnong Cres there's a couple of hills," he said.

Authority spokeswoman Gemma Boucher said where bike paths were affected construction companies would need to identify alternative routes in consultation with cycling groups.

Travancore Park Users Group spokesman Kevin McQuillan said the detours would alleviate walkers' concerns about speeding cyclists, but he was concerned about the ­impact of heavy vehicles ­accessing the area.

Details: linkingmelbourne.vic.gov.au