SeaPath walking and cycling path prepares for construction

Friday, 12 April 2019

An artists' impression of SeaPath, a proposed three-kilometre shared walking and cycling connection between Northcote Point and Esmonde Rd, Takapuna, on Auckland's North Shore.

Approval has been given for a new walking and cycling path on Auckland's North Shore that will connect to the much-debated SkyPath.

SeaPath, a three-kilometre shared walkway and cycleway between Northcote Point and Takapuna, has received the green light from the NZ Transport Agency.

Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter said it was 'a significant milestone'.

'This is another big step in developing the strategic walking and cycling network for the North Shore and Auckland,' Genter said.

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SeaPath will connect with SkyPath, the walking and cycle path set to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

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'More people walking and cycling is not only good for our health and the health of the environment, it also means fewer cars on the road and less congestion.'

The board's approval meant the route was now confirmed, but consents still needed to be obtained and the path was not yet designed.

Initial consultation for SeaPath took place in 2016, with more than 2600 people providing feedback. Over 95 per cent people said they supported the walking and cycling link.

Further consultation was planned for the design and consenting phases.

Pre-implementation work, including the consenting, property and design phases, was expected to take until late 2020. Construction funding was expected to be confirmed in 2021.

'Together, we are creating safer, healthier, and more accessible cities where people of all ages and abilities can choose to bike every day,' Genter said.

When complete, SeaPath would form a critical link to the planned shared path over the Auckland Harbour Bridge – a controversial project that could now be delayed as late as 2022.

That news came as a blow to those hoping SkyPath would be ready for the Americas Cup in March 2021.

On Thursday, SkyPath Trust accused the NZTA of unauthorised use of its intellectual property, with the trust's project director set to demand payment of a $1.6 million fee.