A shared pathway that will link the northern and western sides of Lake Macquarie to Newcastle is one step closer, with construction scheduled to start before the end of June.

The Wallsend to Glendale shared pathway is a joint project between Newcastle City Council, Lake Macq-uarie City Council and the NSW Government.

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie councils will both fund 25 per cent of the project and the State Government has proposed to fund the remaining 50 per cent.

The pathway will be a shared bicycle and pedestrian path along the old Wallsend-Glendale tramway corridor.

Elermore Vale resident Ken Scott, who lives just metres away from the track, said he welcomed the news of the pathway’s construction.

Mr Scott worked for Northumber-land County Council (a regional planning authority) in the 1950s and he drew up plans for corridors where trams had travelled.

“I looked at many places where there were corridors in Newcastle,” Mr Scott said.

“The Wallsend to Glendale pathway was one of them, but nothing happ-ened to it for a long time.”

Mr Scott often clears lantana and weeds off the track to maintain it.

He also walks the Wallsend-Glendale tramway corridor, which takes him about an hour and 20 minutes.

“It’s a nice walk and will be even better once it becomes a pathway,” Mr Scott said.

He said the pathway would be beneficial for cyclists riding from Glendale shopping centre and TAFE to Wallsend.

“Cyclists will be able to get between the two suburbs without using Lake Road, which is dangerous because it is so busy.”

Newcastle lord mayor John Tate said the shared pathway was important for Newcastle and Lake Macquarie residents.

“It will enhance our amenity, lifestyle and health.

“But people have to remember that they have to share the pathway – it is for pedestrians and cyclists, it’s a matter of common sense in usage,” Cr Tate said.

Lake Macquarie mayor Greg Piper said the link from Glendale to Wallsend along the old tramway would reinstate a historic connection between Lake Macquarie and Newcastle, which residents could use for fitness, fun or commuting.

Wallsend to Glendale tramway line

The Wallsend to Glendale (Brush Creek) tramway line opened in 1910 and closed in 1930.

Steam trams operated on this line and commuters were able to switch trams at Wallsend to travel to Newcastle.

Commuters were also able to switch trams at Brush Creek and board a tram to Speers Point.