The latest section of Auckland’s expanding cycling and walking network – the Upper Queen Street, Grafton Gully and Beach Road link - will be opened this Saturday (6 September).
Cyclists and walkers will have access to the 2.7 kilometre long link from about 11am after an official ribbon cutting ceremony.
The NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport have collaborated on the link’s three sections to give people better access between the existing Northwestern cycleway, the CBD and universities in the heart of the city, and the Waitemata harbour.
The Council is responsible for a shared pathway for cyclists and walkers on Upper Queen Street, the Transport Agency constructed the 1.9 kilometre-long Grafton Gully section for those who walk and ride, and a 620metre-long cycleway separated from traffic has been developed by Auckland Transport along Beach Road.
All three organisations say the combined link will give Aucklanders more travel choices.
“There’s already a large number of trips taken along the Northwestern cycleway and we hope even more people will be encouraged to hop on their bikes to beat congestion on the city’s highways and roads,” says the Transport Agency’s Highway Manager Brett Gliddon.
Auckland Transport says the Beach Road cycleway is also part of the Harbour Edge initiative, which seeks to better connect people with the sea and further develop the council’s objective to make Auckland the world’s most liveable city.
“We’ve already had very positive feedback from people, with many saying it will deliver much-needed safety improvements, attract more cyclists to the area, and be a catalyst for other cycling projects in the city” says AT’s Chief Operating Officer Greg Edmonds.
More information is available on the following web sites:
https://at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/beach-road-walking-and-cycling-project/(external link)
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/grafton-gully-cycleway(external link)
For further information contact:
Ewart Barnsley
Auckland/Northland Media Manager
NZ Transport Agency
E: ewart.barnsley@nzta.govt.nz
M: +64 27 2137616
Mark Hannan
Media Manager
Auckland Transport
E: mark.hannan@aucklandtransport.govt.nz
M: +64 21 817995
