Construction is starting on a new cycle and walking route which will connect the wider Mt Roskill community via green spaces and quiet roads.
A sod-turning ceremony was held on 12 April at the Mt Roskill War Memorial Park, off May Road, to mark the start of construction of the $4.2 million Mt Roskill Safe Route.
Safer cycling and walking
Running from the war memorial park, through Keith Hay Park, to Waikowhai Park in the south, the route will allow people to walk and cycle safely to the coast from the heart of Mt Roskill. There are six schools near the 2.3km route, which follows quiet roads where possible, and improves access to green spaces and parks.
Making it easier to walk and cycle around the region is part of Auckland Transport’s strategy to improve the transport network says Auckland Transport Cycling and Walking manager, Kathryn King.
“We’re working with Puketapapa Local Board to open up these green spaces for people to travel through and to use for recreation,” she says.
“With all the schools on the route, children will be able to cycle or walk to school in a safe environment. The views from Waikowhai Park are stunning, so we also expect it to be used by people to access Manukau Harbour.”
Vital link for community
The route will have wide footpaths for shared use by people on foot or bike, along with new crossings and traffic calming measures such as speed tables.
It is part of a growing network of walking and cycling routes throughout Auckland. It connects with the shared walking and cycling path which will follow SH20 in both directions and with the quiet route that runs parallel to Dominion Road.
"These routes provide vital links for our community to move around safely for regular trips to schools, shops and parks without having to go by car," says Julie Fairey, chair of Puketapapa Local Board.
"With this large local project we are now well into the important work of taking the Puketapapa Greenways Plan off paper and into our streets and parks."
Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and the NZ Transport Agency, in partnership with the Government, are working on a $200 million programme of cycle improvements in Auckland over the next three years.
