Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has provided a progress update on the Peninsula Trail's Somerville to Baxter link project in the state of Victoria, Australia. 

The council said that work was being carried out on all the additional requirements specified during the design phase of the trail project and that the project experienced a slight setback due to fencing conditions.

The shire is currently collaborating with the Department of Transport and Planning and Metro Trains Melbourne to address these delays and expedite the resolution of issues. 

The design of the Somerville to Baxter trail project is now expected to be finalised in early 2024. Tenders for construction will be released around the same time.  

The Mornington Peninsula Shire said that the date of completion of this project will be announced post-design finalisation. 

The Somerville to Baxter link is a significant addition to the Peninsula Trail that will enable pedestrians, runners, and cyclists to travel off-road between Melbourne's centre and Balnarring. 

This new path will run adjacent to the Stony Point rail line, connecting the Frankston-Baxter Trail at the northern end and an existing path from Somerville to Balnarring through Somers at the southern end.  

Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor and councillor Simon Brooks said: “For our local community, the trail will create more connected towns and neighbourhoods - providing safe off-road options to walk or ride to school, work, the shops or a friend’s home.” 

“It will reduce our reliance on cars with environmental, health and well-being benefits.  

“The trail will not just be an asset to the peninsula - it will be an attraction for visitors from everywhere to come to Victoria to walk, hike, cycle and stay.”