A one-of-a-kind scenic view is being proposed in the latest plan of the Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive shared path and Auckland Transport (AT) is urging residents to have their say.
AT is now consulting with the community on the proposed design of Section 4 of the path - also known as Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai (the path of land and sea).
The joint Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency project delivers a 7km path that connects Auckland’s eastern suburbs to the city centre.
Section 4 of the path (Ōrākei Basin to Tāmaki Drive) is a vital connection to the Waitematā Harbour and Tāmaki Drive cycle paths, connecting people to the city, the bays and beyond, and will be the final section to complete the path. The approximate cost for construction of Section 4 is $32million.
The proposed design would provide a unique view of Tāmaki Makaurau, and would include a boardwalk - allowing people to enjoy the views of Hobson Bay, distant maunga, fossil beds in the coastal area (at low tide) and the reserve around the Hobson Bay headland.
Mayor Phil Goff encourages Aucklanders to have their say on the proposed design.
“The Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive shared path will be a fantastic asset for communities in the east of Auckland and for recreational riders,” he says.
“It is an important link in the growing network of cycling and walking connections throughout our city.
“Providing options for people to cycle or walk, instead of driving, will help reduce carbon emissions and congestion on our roads. We are encouraging Aucklanders to tell us what they think of this design so we can deliver a connection that works well for all road users.”
Barb Cuthbert of advocacy group Bike Auckland says that she is excited about the project making it easier for people on bikes to move around the city.
“Once opened, the path is expected to attract over 1000 cycle trips every day. This will make it easier and safer for people on bikes to get around our city.”
Councillor Desley Simpson says she is incredibly excited about the project.
“The shared path will be one of the most scenic in Auckland. It will connect with public transport and other paths and cycleways along the way. Now is the time for Aucklanders to have their say on the design of the last main section before it’s locked in via the consent process.”
Waka Kotahi’s National Infrastructure Delivery Manager, Andy Thackwray, says the shared path encourages a healthier lifestyle and provides real choices for people in the way they travel.
“It will eventually connect communities all along the route. Section 1 and Section 3 are already complete and great progress is being made on Section 2 - which runs from St Johns Road to Ōrākei Basin.
“It’s fantastic that the community has been so engaged in the advancement along Section 2, with the rail and gully bridges now almost compete and the boardwalk well under construction. Section 4 is the final piece of the puzzle and we urge locals to have their say in helping to ensure this last link provides a seamless, safe and reliable way for people in the eastern suburbs to travel on foot and on bikes.”
AT’s Sustainable Mobility Manager, Cliff Wilton, says this proposed path is part of AT’s plan to create a city that puts people at its centre.
“It will give more people the choice to travel sustainably and to explore the city on foot, by bike or scooter, while being safely protected from vehicles.”
Public consultation is open until 9 September 2021.
Feedback can be provided during drop-in sessions, via written submissions, or on the AT website at AT.govt.nz/easternpath
