Public input wanted on next phase of Wellington to Hutt Valley Walking and Cycling Link

The NZ Transport Agency is asking for public feedback on the Petone to Melling section of the Wellington to Hutt Valley Walking and Cycling Link.

The Petone to Melling section of the Wellington to Hutt Valley Walking and Cycling Link (W2HV Link) is one of three that will make up the new path.  When the whole project is complete, it will run from near Wellington’s railway station to the Hutt River Trail, and will connect with regional walking and cycling paths.

The Petone to Melling and Ngauranga to Petone sections are being delivered by the NZ Transport Agency. The Wellington CBD to Ngauranga section is being delivered by the Wellington City Council.

“A two-way, off-road cycling path that follows the rail corridor will provide a safe route for cyclists and people walking between Petone railway station and the Hutt River Trail. The path is designed to mesh seamlessly with the Ngauranga to Petone section when it is built. Safety features will include lighting, fencing and security cameras,” says Neil Walker, Highway Manager, NZ Transport Agency.

“We want the community to help inform the final route and design of the Petone to Melling section of the path to make sure we get it right and will be holding public open days in late April and early May. We’ll also have an update on the investigations and designs so far for the Ngauranga to Petone component and plan to consult on more detailed designs for this section at the end of this year,” Mr Walker says.

Key elements of the Petone to Melling section include:

• rail underpasses at Petone and Parliament Street (near the Normandale overbridge)
• a well-marked route through the Petone railway station car park
• a cycle bypass for southbound cyclists at the Dowse interchange
• a connection to the existing Hutt River Trail.

Since announcing the preferred option of a seaward walking and cycling path in late 2015, additional work has been undertaken on the Ngauranga to Petone section. Key features being investigated include:

• a five metre-wide shared path from the Ngauranga interchange to the Petone interchange
• varying the overall width of the seawall according to the nature of the coastline
• widening the reclamation at three locations to allow the railway tracks to be straightened and for future improvements to State Highway 2
• rest areas with bike stands, seating, shade, shelter and artwork
• resilience features to prevent storm damage and protect from future sea level rise
• a new walking and cycling bridge just north of the Ngauranga interchange to link to the Wellington CBD section
• a connection with the existing shared path between the Petone interchange and Hutt Road.

“The W2HV Link will be a great asset for residents of both Hutt City and Wellington City. The path will also tie in well with the RiverLink project’s aims to revitalise the Hutt City Centre, improve flood protection and address transport issues,” says Hutt City Mayor Ray Wallace.

The NZ Transport Agency will undertake public engagement until 31 May 2017. Open days are scheduled from 29 April to 4 May in both Lower Hutt and Wellington.

• Saturday 29 April 2017, 10am-3pm, Dowse Art Museum, 45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt
• Tuesday 2 May 2017, 8am-10am, Asteron Centre, 55 Featherston Street, Wellington
• Wednesday 3 May 2017, 8am-10am, Asteron Centre, 55 Featherston Street, Wellington
• Thursday 4 May 2017, 8am-10am, Asteron Centre, 55 Featherston Street, Wellington
• Thursday 4 May 2017, 4-7pm, Dowse Art Museum, 45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt

“We encourage anyone interested in the future of the Wellington region’s network of walking and cycling paths to come and learn more about our plans and to share their ideas on how we can improve them. The Wellington to Hutt Valley Walking and Cycling Link will be a huge step forward for safer cycling, more connected communities and greater resilience in events such as storms and earthquakes,” says Neil Walker.

For those who can’t make the open days, project information and submission forms are now available on our project page.

Public engagement guides and submission forms will also be available at Hutt City and Wellington City libraries and council service centres.