A new pathway into the city

Construction is underway on a new shared path for walkers and cyclists between Glen Innes and Tamaki Drive.

Aaron Hutching from Auckland Transport says the shared path is part of the vision for the future of Auckland’s transport system.

“Along with improvements to public transport, the development of cycling routes provides people with more options for getting around the city,” said Mr Hutching.

Stretching 7km from Merton Rd to Tamaki Dr, the project is being completed in four stages.

Construction on the first stage began in October last year, covering the route between Merton Road and the top of St Heliers Bay Road.

The project is a part of a three-year $200 million investment in cycling between Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and the NZ Transport Agency, as part of the Government’s Urban Cycleways Programme.

For Desley Simpson, the chair of the Orakei Local Board, the shared path is a new concept in New Zealand.

“International research tells us that shared paths offshore work. They’re not common in New Zealand.”

The new path is going to help get cyclists off the roads, create a recreational route through the Orakei ward, and create a series of links for people heading into the central city, according to Ms Simpson.

“We’re just going to trial it to see how it goes,” Ms Simpson said.

According to Mr Hutching, the council is hoping projects like the shared path will increase the appeal of non-vehicular transport.

“A target has been set for a 30 per cent increase in cycle journeys within Auckland by 2019,” he said.

Ms Simpson said that unlike some Auckland walkways, the shared path will be lit at night for its entire length.

She sees the shared path as useful for people going to and from work. “It will be quite a major commuter route,” she said.

The second section of the route will be the most complicated and will open third, going from the top of St Heliers Bay Road through to Meadowbank Train Station. Construction will begin at both ends in order to overcome the difficulties of the route.

The winding section of path will have to be widened to four metres to accommodate mobility scooters.

Mr Hutching said the shared path will link surrounding communities to the city centre and with train stations.

“We expect it will be used for commuting, fitness and recreation, by people on foot as well as on bike.”

Some elements of the project were the result of a public consultation process.

Mr Hutching said that connectivity to the path was a major theme in the feedback. “[T]he more people that have access to it, the better.”

Other issues included making sure that the path was not too straight to cut down on speeding cyclists or too narrow, Ms Simpson said.

“Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive Shared Path will also enable people to connect with the three stations along the route,” said Mr Hutching.

The $40 million project is due for completion in 2018.

More info on the project can be found here.