Walking and cycling between the Auckland Harbour Bridge and Takapuna on the North Shore has moved a step closer with the SeaPath project moving to the detailed design and consenting stage.
SeaPath runs along the landward side of the northern motorway between Northcote Point and Esmonde Road, providing safe and direct connections to local communities, destinations and recreational areas on the lower North Shore. When complete, the path will form a critical link in Auckland’s strategic cycling network and connect with the planned shared path over the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
New Zealand Transport Agency Director for Regional Relationships for the Upper North Island, Steve Mutton says that it’s exciting times for people keen to get around the area without their car.
“SeaPath is a critical part of the walking and cycling network and a key project for the Transport Agency. We are meeting the Government’s goals around providing people with a choice in the way they travel; and a way to get from A to B that contributes to their health and good environmental outcomes.”
“When we spoke to communities about this project late last year, the clear message was ‘get on and build it’. We’re delighted that the Detailed Business Case has been approved and that detailed design and consenting can now get underway.”
“The route for the path is now decided but over the next year or so we will be talking to stakeholders and the community about more detailed aspects that they can contribute their ideas into, such as the materials we use to build it and the associated landscaping around the path.”
“We will also continue to partner with mana whenua, Heritage New Zealand and other groups who are highly invested and interested in this area. We want to ensure that the path contributes to the cultural, historical and ecological diversity of this part of Auckland.”
Ensuring the path is well connected at both ends and throughout the route is critical to the success of the project. Work in the next phase will continue to ensure that a seamless connection is created with the shared path over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The Transport Agency is working with Auckland Transport around the interfaces with the Northcote Safe Cycle Route and links from the Northern end of the path at the Esmonde Interchange to Takapuna.
As well as forming a key transport connection, the path will open up access to some of Auckland’s gems such the Onepoto Domain and Tuff Crater which have popular walking tracks around their native bush-clad crater rims.
The next phase of work on the project is due for completion in late 2020 with construction funding expected to be confirmed in 2021.
Caption: The proposed SeaPath route will connect to existing and planned cycle routes on the North Shore
Caption: An artist’s impression of how SeaPath could look alongside the Northern Motorway on the North Shore
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