Designs revealed for long-awaited Ngauranga to Petone shared pathway

Wednesday, 22 May 2019

The Ngāūranga-to-Petone shared pathway is part of a longer path called Te Ara Tupua, which will eventually allow people to walk or bike around the whole harbour. (Video first published in September 2019).

A long-awaited shared walk/cycleway between Petone and Wellington is a step closer.

Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter will today unveil designs for public consultation on the Ngauranga to Petone shared walking and cycling pathway.

Funding approval to begin construction on the Petone to Melling section of the pathway will also be announced.

A bird's eye view of the proposed shared pathway between Ngauranga and Petone.

The NZ Transport Agency is seeking feedback on designs for the Ngauranga to Petone section of the Wellington to Hutt Valley Walking and Cycling Link.

**READ MORE:

Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter believes the shared pathway from Ngauranga to Petone will be the 'most significant expansion' of public access to Wellington's waterfront in decades.

* Hutt mayor calls for third southbound lane from Petone

* Extra 12,000 vehicles to use SH 2

The reclamation needed for the pathway is good news for rail commuters. It will prevent the rail corridor from being undermined in storms.

* Hutt reps wants NZTA to urgently review [decisions

](/www.stuff.co.nz/national/112376673/hutt-valley-reps-request-nzta-to-urgently-review-decisions-to-defer-roading-projects)* N ZTA approves funding for shared walkway**

A bridge at Ngauranga will provide access to the shared pathway.

The section, which is expected to cost between $76 million and $94m, will form part of the Great Harbour Way around Wellington Harbour between Owhiro Bay and Eastbourne.

Although there have been calls for improved cycling access on State Highway 2 for decades, the latest proposal is a significant step forward for rail and cycling commuters.

The shared pathway will be a major recreational asset for the region.

The design features a seawall to protect the coastline from erosion and storm surges that threaten to undermine the rail corridor.

NZTA said the cost partly reflected the expense of coastal reclamation needed to deliver the project.

Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace wants a third lane added to State Highway 2.

Genter said it would provide people living in the Hutt with a congestion-free commuting option into the city.

'With the rise of e-bikes and e-scooters, this path will provide people with more options for travelling between the Hutt, Petone, and Wellington City.'

The original concept design for the shared cycleway and walkway between Ngauranga and Petone.

The 5 metre-wide path will include additional space for people to rest, picnic, and fish off the coast. An overbridge at Ngauranga will connect people to the coastal pathway.

Following consultation, the design will be finalised and an application for resource consent is expected in late 2019 to mid 2020, with the consent process expected to take up to two years.

Final costs will not be known until the design has been finalised, resource consents granted, and a construction contract awarded.

Hutt City Mayor Ray Wallace welcomed the news but wanted NZTA to expand the project to include a third southern lane to Wellington.

Last week, he wrote to Transport Minister Phil Twyford urging him to examine the possibility of reclaiming extra land for the lane at the same time as work was carried out on the shared walkway and cycleway.

'Given that $100 million has already been committed to the shared path, a bit extra may provide a third lane and alleviate some of the strain on this important entry and exit point for Wellington.'

Wallace, however, was happy that progress on the pathway had finally been made.

Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce chief executive Helen Down said the shared pathway was great for cyclists but of no use to businesses struggling with congestion.

She supported the mayor's call for a third lane to be built at the same time as the shared pathway.

'Otherwise it is just a wasted opportunity to address traffic issues.'

The Melling to Petone section will connect to the coastal pathway and provide access through to Wellington City.

Work is expected to start on this section before the end of the year, with the project completed by the end of 2020, Genter said.

'This path will make it safer and easier for people to walk, cycle and scooter to the train station.'

NZTA says 450 cyclists commute between Petone and Ngauranga daily.