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New cycleway has lift off
New cycleway has lift off
Construction has started on a new $2.5 million cycleway, linking the southeast of the isthmus with the northwest.
The 12km Waikaraka cycleway will start at Pikes Point in Onehunga and run through to Mt Roskill, where it will join up with the State Highway 20 extension.
Councillor Richard Simpson, the council’s Transport and Urban Linkages Committee chairperson, says the Waikaraka cycleway forms a key part of Auckland’s cycle network.
“Beginning construction on this highly anticipated cycleway is an important milestone for Auckland,” says Mr Simpson.
“It forms a strategic link between the southeast and northwest, and is a critical step towards becoming a city with more sustainable transport choices.”
The cycleway is part of Auckland City’s cycling and walking strategy, which promotes safe cycling and provides for an integrated cycle network.
The council is leading a number of cycling initiatives throughout the city including planned cycle lanes along Mt Albert and Carrington roads, cycle improvements in Newmarket and work on New North Road to improve access for cyclist commuters to the CBD.
“The Waikaraka project aims to make cycling a viable choice for people in a growing area of Auckland,” says Mr Simpson.
“There’s no doubt cycling is growing in popularity and we must continue to encourage others to jump on a bike and leave their cars at home.”
Cycling increased by 6 per cent this year and by 19 per cent the previous year.
The Waikaraka cycleway will be built in three sections. It includes an off-road shared cycle and pedestrian path at Pikes Point and an on-road cycleway through Onehunga to Hillsborough Road, with cycle advance stop boxes at key intersections, directional signs and new road markings.
The final section is being designed to link with Transit New Zealand’s State Highway 20 Mt Roskill extension. Auckland City is working with stakeholders to finalise the detailed design for this section.
Eventually the new cycleway will connect with the Northwestern cycleway when the western ring route of State Highway 20 has been finalised.
Section one is expected to be completed by November, weather permitting.
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