The NZ Transport Agency is reviewing the design options for a shared path for people on foot, bikes and other active modes, over the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Work is well underway on a business case which was started last year into the eagerly anticipated walking and cycling path over the Waitemata Harbour to meet the Government’s priority to create more active transport choices for Aucklanders and deliver critical missing links in the urban cycle network in areas of high demand for example, between Auckland’s North Shore and City Centre.
NZ Transport Agency’s General Manager, System Design and Delivery, Brett Gliddon says the business case is assessing a number of options, including the SkyPath concept which was developed by the SkyPath Trust. The SkyPath proposal is a 1km long, 4m wide path, attached underneath the southbound ‘clip-on’ of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, between Westhaven and Northcote Point.
Mr Gliddon says the Transport Agency understands Aucklanders are very eager to cross the harbour on foot, their bikes and their scooters, and the Agency is determined to make the right decision for this important link in Auckland’s transport system.
“We are working hard to make that happen as quickly as possible for the Aucklanders who have waited years for that opportunity as well as for new generations who are keen to leave the car at home.
“So far, the business case process has been looking at a number of design options that could be possible, and we need to do more work before we know the right design to take forward. We want to get it right the first time, including the right width so more people can use it without restrictions, as well as the best materials to build the structure.”
Funding is already included in the National Land Transport Plan and the Transport Agency Board will consider the outcomes of the business case by the middle of this year.
The earliest construction could start on a walking and cycling path over the Auckland Harbour Bridge is late 2020. However, more will be known when the business case is complete which will recommend which option to take forward.
The Transport Agency is also continuing work on SeaPath, a 4km shared path between Northcote Point and Esmonde Road, Takapuna. It is a priority for the Transport Agency to coordinate the design and delivery of both SeaPath and a shared walking and cycling path over the Auckland Harbour Bridge to create the best outcomes for the community as well for those who will use them.
