New design offers certainty for walking and cycling across Waitemata Harbour
04 June 2019
The
NZ Transport Agency has released
plans for its preferred option for a shared path over the
Auckland
Harbour Bridge which will transform walking and
cycling not only across
the harbour, but throughout the city.
The Transport Agency says its preferred design for the Auckland Harbour
Bridge Shared Path will provide a five-metre-wide path flanking the
Harbour Bridge’s southbound traffic side, directly linking Westhaven to
Northcote Point and connecting with the future
SeaPath route.
The Transport Agency’s General Manager System Design and Delivery, Brett
Gliddon, says he’s delighted to be able to give more detailed
information and certainty about the walking and cycling path which will
meet the Government’s priority to create more active transport choices
for Aucklanders.
“We know Aucklanders want to cross the harbour on foot and by bike as
quickly as possible and the Transport Agency has been working hard to
develop a design that meets the future demands of all bridge users, is
affordable and preserves the structural integrity of the
Auckland Harbour Bridge.”
Mr Gliddon says since last year a range of options have been
investigated as part of the necessary
business case process. A multi
criteria analysis has identified a preferred option which comprises a 5m
wide path to allow for separation between people on foot and on bikes,
making it safer and more enjoyable for all users.
“We’re confident this will deliver the safest, most enduring solution
not only for people now but also for future generations, and that it
will become much more than just a transport connection.
“The Transport Agency acknowledges the tireless work and dedication of
those who have campaigned for a walking and cycling connection across
the bridge, in particular the SkyPath Trust. While recognising their
vision and legacy the Transport Agency is also mindful of its role to
ensure that we deliver the best outcomes and value for money for all New
Zealanders.
“We are committed to transforming walking and cycling in Auckland and
this design offers the most far reaching and enduring benefits.”
Benefits of the preferred option include:
-
the path will be attached to the bridge piers rather than the clip on, so there will be no load restrictions, meaning there will not be restrictions on the number of people able to access the path at one time, and it is designed to cater for future demands
-
the path will be safer than other alternatives, because there is greater room for different active modes to share the space, as well as the ability for people to access and exit the path from the existing bridge in an emergency
-
the path will go ahead regardless of any future plans for an additional Waitemata Harbour connection
-
the path matches the shape and design of the existing bridge
-
the path will include wide viewing galleries where people can gather to enjoy views without impeding the travel of pedestrians and cyclists.
“The route includes areas to pause
and sit and it will have three generous viewing galleries. These
galleries are terraced down from the pathway to create a natural seating
area, distinct from the cycleway. About a hundred metres long and more
than two metres wide, they provide plenty of places for people to rest
and enjoy the beautiful views from the iconic bridge.”
The path will also have clear day and night time modes. The daytime mode
creates a strong sculptural symbol for active transport across the
harbour bridge while the night mode will use architectural lighting to
shine an even greater spotlight on the iconic bridge structure.
Further details including a video which shows concept imaging of this
option is available to view on our website:
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/AHBpath
The Transport Agency is also
continuing to work on SeaPath, a 4km shared path between Northcote Point
and Esmonde Road, Takapuna to ensure the design coordinates with plans
for the Harbour Bridge Shared Path.
Funding is already included in the National Land Transport Plan for a
walking and cycling connection over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and
construction of the preferred option could start as early as next year.
“The Transport Agency is committed to building this new design for an
Auckland Harbour Bridge Shared Path as quickly as possible to provide
another key connection in the city’s walking and cycling network.”
--ENDS--
Source: New Zealand Government - www.beehive.govt.nz
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