The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is calling tenders to construct a further section of the State Highway (SH88) Dunedin to Port Chalmers walking/cycling path.
This work will extend the current path a further two kilometres from Maia to the St Leonards Boat Club and cross two sections of harbour causeway carrying the main trunk railway. When completed, it will provide a continuous 4.5 km route for both commuters and recreational users, almost double the distance currently available. Work is expected to start in the first quarter of next year.
NZTA Southern Regional Director Jim Harland says construction will take around five months and represents a mjaor investment in safer walking and cycling alongside SH 88.
The path offers considerable safety benefits for walkers and cyclists, who will no longer need to use SH88 that carries heavy vehicles to and from Port Chalmers container port. The path will connect with Dunedin via the cycleway around the new Forsyth Barr Stadium and link to other cycle lanes around the city.
Mr Harland said investigation work is underway on the remaining section of the path to Port Chalmers. However to secure design and construction funding it will have to compete against other similar projects around the country.
The successful tenderer is expected to be appointed before Christmas.
