Cycling and walking paths constructed as part of the NZ Transport Agency's SH20 Manukau Harbour Crossing project were officially opened today by the Minister of Transport, Hon. Steven Joyce.
The links total 3.5 kilometres and connect the communities of Mangere Bridge and Onehunga across the Manukau Harbour. The local community joined the Minister and Auckland councillor for Manukau, Alf Filipaina in the ribbon cutting ceremony to test out the new routes.
NZTA State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland Tommy Parker said the pedestrian and cycling routes will benefit the Mangere Bridge and Onehunga communities, and are an integral part of the project to construct the duplicate motorway bridge across the harbour.
"The NZTA and our project partners know that the communities on both sides of the harbour have been waiting a long time for this and we are hoping it will upgrade recreational facilities for the whole area," Mr Parker said.
The day was also a community celebration and included placing a time capsule into the recently completed duplicate motorway bridge. The time capsule will be opened in 2061 and contains memorabilia from the construction of the bridge.
Today's celebration was the final official milestone of the $230M Manukau Harbour Crossing project which opened seven months ahead of schedule in August 2010. The new duplicate bridge on the Southwestern Motorway is part of the Western Ring Route.
Note to editors:
The new cycle and pedestrian links include:
